“Look Up! Jesus Is Coming” by Pastor Greg Laurie

The basics aren't just for beginners. The basics aren't just for beginners. Bible [music] reading, prayer, Bible [music] reading, prayer, Bible [music] reading, prayer, fellowship, and sharing your faith are fellowship, and sharing your faith are fellowship, and sharing your faith are essentials for a healthy Christian life. essentials for a healthy Christian life. essentials for a healthy Christian life. Whether you've known Jesus for 30 days Whether you've known Jesus for 30 days Whether you've known Jesus for 30 days or 30 years. For a limited time, [music] or 30 years. For a limited time, [music] or 30 years. For a limited time, [music] you can receive what every growing you can receive what every growing you can receive what every growing Christian needs to know by Pastor Greg Christian needs to know by Pastor Greg Christian needs to know by Pastor Greg Lorie. with your gift of any size to Lorie. with your gift of any size to Lorie. with your gift of any size to Harvest [music] Ministries. In this Harvest [music] Ministries. In this Harvest [music] Ministries. In this practical book, Pastor Greg explores the practical book, Pastor Greg explores the practical book, Pastor Greg explores the key habits that [music] help believers key habits that [music] help believers key habits that [music] help believers grow spiritually and stay strong in grow spiritually and stay strong in grow spiritually and stay strong in their faith. You'll learn how to read their faith. You'll learn how to read their faith. You'll learn how to read [music] and understand God's word more [music] and understand God's word more [music] and understand God's word more effectively, develop a meaningful prayer effectively, develop a meaningful prayer effectively, develop a meaningful prayer life, and share your faith with life, and share your faith with life, and share your faith with confidence and compassion. No matter confidence and compassion. No matter confidence and compassion. No matter where [music] you are in your walk with where [music] you are in your walk with where [music] you are in your walk with Christ, this resource will help you Christ, this resource will help you Christ, this resource will help you focus on what matters most. Request your focus on what matters most. Request your focus on what matters most. Request your copy of What Every [music] Growing copy of What Every [music] Growing copy of What Every [music] Growing Christian Needs to Know Today at Christian Needs to Know Today at Christian Needs to Know Today at harvest.org/donate. harvest.org/donate. harvest.org/donate. [music] Hey, Greg Lori here. Welcome to my Hey, Greg Lori here. Welcome to my podcast. I have a very special guest, podcast. I have a very special guest, podcast. I have a very special guest, Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being Joel Rosenberg. Levi, thanks for being on my podcast. Michael [music] Franies, on my podcast. Michael [music] Franies, on my podcast. Michael [music] Franies, thank you for making time for me cuz you thank you for making time for me cuz you thank you for making time for me cuz you deal with some very weighty, heavy deal with some very weighty, heavy deal with some very weighty, heavy subjects. And I think when you can bring subjects. And I think when you can bring subjects. And I think when you can bring humor in is it actually helps the viewer humor in is it actually helps the viewer humor in is it actually helps the viewer to take in all that information.

[music] Is it hard to be a man of faith [music] Is it hard to be a man of faith in what you do? in what you do? in what you do? >> Uh it's not. In fact, it's the only way >> Uh it's not. In fact, it's the only way >> Uh it's not. In fact, it's the only way I'm allowed and [music] enabled to do I'm allowed and [music] enabled to do I'm allowed and [music] enabled to do this job. this job. this job. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. >> Hollywood's not the hope of the world. The local church [music] is the hope of The local church [music] is the hope of The local church [music] is the hope of the world. And I've always felt like the world. And I've always felt like the world. And I've always felt like it's my job to set a volleyball that can it's my job to set a volleyball that can it's my job to set a volleyball that can be spiked at the local level. be spiked at the local level. be spiked at the local level. >> No one is beyond the reach of God. I >> No one is beyond the reach of God. I >> No one is beyond the reach of God. I mean, if God can reach Michael Frances, mean, if God can reach Michael Frances, mean, if God can reach Michael Frances, who can God not reach? You know, I've heard people describe a You know, I've heard people describe a trip to Israel as seeing the Bible trip to Israel as seeing the Bible trip to Israel as seeing the Bible actually come to life. And having been actually come to life. And having been actually come to life. And having been to Israel many times, I can say that's to Israel many times, I can say that's to Israel many times, I can say that's absolutely true. Listen, when you're absolutely true. Listen, when you're absolutely true. Listen, when you're walking on the same stones that Jesus walking on the same stones that Jesus walking on the same stones that Jesus walked on, there's something that's walked on, there's something that's walked on, there's something that's enriching to your faith. It's not just a enriching to your faith. It's not just a enriching to your faith. It's not just a travel experience. It actually energizes travel experience. It actually energizes travel experience. It actually energizes your study of the Bible. Think of it your study of the Bible. Think of it your study of the Bible. Think of it this way. It's a vacation with a this way. It's a vacation with a this way. It's a vacation with a purpose. And you can find out more at purpose. And you can find out more at purpose. And you can find out more at israel.harvest.org.

You know, the Bible says, "A good person You know, the Bible says, "A good person [music] leaves an inheritance for their [music] leaves an inheritance for their [music] leaves an inheritance for their children's children." God encourages all children's children." God encourages all children's children." God encourages all of us as Christians to manage our money of us as Christians to manage our money of us as Christians to manage our money well so we can be a blessing to our well so we can be a blessing to our well so we can be a blessing to our families and to others. [music] Harvest families and to others. [music] Harvest families and to others. [music] Harvest has a special gift for you today, an has a special gift for you today, an has a special gift for you today, an opportunity to set up a will or a living opportunity to set up a will or a living opportunity to set up a will or a living trust completely [music] free of charge. trust completely [music] free of charge. trust completely [music] free of charge. Here's how you can learn more. I'm Here's how you can learn more. I'm Here's how you can learn more. I'm excited to announce that here at excited to announce that here at excited to announce that here at Harvest, we've partnered with our Harvest, we've partnered with our Harvest, we've partnered with our friends at Free Will. Free Will is an friends at Free Will. Free Will is an friends at Free Will. Free Will is an easytouse estate planning tool that easytouse estate planning tool that easytouse estate planning tool that allows you to make planned gifts to allows you to make planned gifts to allows you to make planned gifts to organizations of your choice. It's a organizations of your choice. It's a organizations of your choice. It's a creative opportunity to support the work creative opportunity to support the work creative opportunity to support the work we're doing here at Harvest Ministries. we're doing here at Harvest Ministries. we're doing here at Harvest Ministries. [music] [music] [music] So, as you make your plans, I hope So, as you make your plans, I hope So, as you make your plans, I hope you'll consider investing in this you'll consider investing in this you'll consider investing in this ministry so we can continue to preach ministry so we can continue to preach ministry so we can continue to preach the gospel and teach the word of God for the gospel and teach the word of God for the gospel and teach the word of God for years to come. You can learn more at years to come. You can learn more at years to come. You can learn more at freewill.com/harvest.

Hey everyone, welcome to Harvest at Hey everyone, welcome to Harvest at Home. If you are new here, we are so Home. If you are new here, we are so Home. If you are new here, we are so glad that you decided to join us. We glad that you decided to join us. We glad that you decided to join us. We meet here every Sunday to learn biblical meet here every Sunday to learn biblical meet here every Sunday to learn biblical truth from God's word. Join us in truth from God's word. Join us in truth from God's word. Join us in fellowship in the live chat room that we fellowship in the live chat room that we fellowship in the live chat room that we have online to connect with others have online to connect with others have online to connect with others across the country and around the world. across the country and around the world. across the country and around the world. Today, we'll be continuing in our study Today, we'll be continuing in our study Today, we'll be continuing in our study through the book of Luke called the through the book of Luke called the through the book of Luke called the Gospel for Everyone. And we are looking Gospel for Everyone. And we are looking Gospel for Everyone. And we are looking forward to hearing from the Lord today. forward to hearing from the Lord today. forward to hearing from the Lord today. Before we dig into the word today, I'd Before we dig into the word today, I'd Before we dig into the word today, I'd like to share about a few events that we like to share about a few events that we like to share about a few events that we hosted this last month, starting with hosted this last month, starting with hosted this last month, starting with the harvest crusade. We saw over 30,000 the harvest crusade. We saw over 30,000 the harvest crusade. We saw over 30,000 people gathered together to worship the people gathered together to worship the people gathered together to worship the Lord and hear the good news. And the Lord and hear the good news. And the Lord and hear the good news. And the best part of it is thousands gave their best part of it is thousands gave their best part of it is thousands gave their lives to Christ. We also hosted the 4th lives to Christ. We also hosted the 4th lives to Christ. We also hosted the 4th annual Jesus Revolution baptism at annual Jesus Revolution baptism at annual Jesus Revolution baptism at Pirates Cove where we witnessed over 800 Pirates Cove where we witnessed over 800 Pirates Cove where we witnessed over 800 people make their public declaration of people make their public declaration of people make their public declaration of faith through baptism at this historic faith through baptism at this historic faith through baptism at this historic site. What an incredible month of seeing site. What an incredible month of seeing site. What an incredible month of seeing the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is the Lord's work. Walking with Christ is a daily commitment, which is why we have a daily commitment, which is why we have a daily commitment, which is why we have some amazing resources available online some amazing resources available online some amazing resources available online that can help and guide you in that that can help and guide you in that that can help and guide you in that journey. If you head over to our website journey. If you head over to our website journey. If you head over to our website after service, you will have access to after service, you will have access to after service, you will have access to free ebooks written by Pastor Greg Lori, free ebooks written by Pastor Greg Lori, free ebooks written by Pastor Greg Lori, Bible study courses that are designed to Bible study courses that are designed to Bible study courses that are designed to meet you where you're at and designed meet you where you're at and designed meet you where you're at and designed for you to go at your own pace among for you to go at your own pace among for you to go at your own pace among many other sources of daily many other sources of daily many other sources of daily encouragement like Pastor Greg's blog encouragement like Pastor Greg's blog encouragement like Pastor Greg's blog and daily devotionals. You will also and daily devotionals. You will also and daily devotionals. You will also find our streaming platform called find our streaming platform called find our streaming platform called Harvest Plus. On there you will find Harvest Plus. On there you will find Harvest Plus. On there you will find Harvest Films, classic and recent Harvest Films, classic and recent Harvest Films, classic and recent crusade events, the Harvest Plus, Greg crusade events, the Harvest Plus, Greg crusade events, the Harvest Plus, Greg Glory TV program, new episodes of The Glory TV program, new episodes of The Glory TV program, new episodes of The Adventures of Ben Born and Yellow Dog, Adventures of Ben Born and Yellow Dog, Adventures of Ben Born and Yellow Dog, and so much more. We also want to invite

and so much more. We also want to invite and so much more. We also want to invite you to join our online disciplehip you to join our online disciplehip you to join our online disciplehip community. This is a space where you can community. This is a space where you can community. This is a space where you can further your understanding of Christ further your understanding of Christ further your understanding of Christ through groupled Bible study and through groupled Bible study and through groupled Bible study and exclusive learning resources, exclusive learning resources, exclusive learning resources, participate in chats with fellow participate in chats with fellow participate in chats with fellow believers across the world, and connect believers across the world, and connect believers across the world, and connect with the ministry and people on a deeper with the ministry and people on a deeper with the ministry and people on a deeper level throughout the week. At this time, level throughout the week. At this time, level throughout the week. At this time, I invite you to worship with your online I invite you to worship with your online I invite you to worship with your online church family. God bless you guys. We'll church family. God bless you guys. We'll church family. God bless you guys. We'll see you in just a few. >> Well, good morning, Harvest. We are >> Well, good morning, Harvest. We are excited [music] to be in the house of excited [music] to be in the house of excited [music] to be in the house of the Lord worshiping with you this the Lord worshiping with you this the Lord worshiping with you this morning. And as we begin in worship, morning. And as we begin in worship, morning. And as we begin in worship, we're going to do so by reading we're going to do so by reading we're going to do so by reading scripture together. So, it's going to scripture together. So, it's going to scripture together. So, it's going to [music] come up on the screen. 2 [music] come up on the screen. 2 [music] come up on the screen. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new

anyone is in Christ, he is a new anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away. creation. Old things have passed away. creation. Old things have passed away. Behold, all things have [music] become Behold, all things have [music] become Behold, all things have [music] become new. We are no longer defined by our new. We are no longer defined by our new. We are no longer defined by our past sins and by our failures. We have past sins and by our failures. We have past sins and by our failures. We have been washed [music] and we've been been washed [music] and we've been been washed [music] and we've been cleansed by the blood and the sacrifice cleansed by the blood and the sacrifice cleansed by the blood and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ." So, we're going to of Jesus Christ." So, we're going to of Jesus Christ." So, we're going to sing a newer song this morning. We are sing a newer song this morning. We are sing a newer song this morning. We are going to celebrate [music] because he is going to celebrate [music] because he is going to celebrate [music] because he is worthy of our praise. Amen. Let's sing worthy of our praise. Amen. Let's sing worthy of our praise. Amen. Let's sing together. Goodbye [music] Goodbye [music] yesterday. I'm living in the light of a yesterday. I'm living in the light of a yesterday. I'm living in the light of a new day. I won't waste another minute in new day. I won't waste another minute in new day. I won't waste another minute in my old way. Praise the Lord. I've been my old way. Praise the Lord. I've been my old way. Praise the Lord. I've been [music] born again. Goodbye yesterday. [music] born again. Goodbye yesterday. [music] born again. Goodbye yesterday. I'm living [music] in the light of a new I'm living [music] in the light of a new I'm living [music] in the light of a new day. I won't waste another minute in my day. I won't waste another minute in my day. I won't waste another minute in my own ways. Praise the Lord. [music] own ways. Praise the Lord. [music] own ways. Praise the Lord. [music] I've been born again. [music] [music] and again and again and again. You and again and again and again. You and again and again and again. You rescue me out of the mess I was in.

rescue me out of the mess I was in. rescue me out of the mess I was in. [music] Betrayed my soul for something [music] Betrayed my soul for something [music] Betrayed my soul for something to say. Now I'm dancing on the grave to say. Now I'm dancing on the grave to say. Now I'm dancing on the grave that I once lived [music] in. Goodbye that I once lived [music] in. Goodbye that I once lived [music] in. Goodbye yesterday. I'm living in a light [music] yesterday. I'm living in a light [music] yesterday. I'm living in a light [music] of a new day. I won't waste another of a new day. I won't waste another of a new day. I won't waste another minute in my own place. Praise the Lord. minute in my own place. Praise the Lord. minute in my own place. Praise the Lord. [music] I've been born again. Goodbye [music] I've been born again. Goodbye [music] I've been born again. Goodbye yesterday. The spirit [music] of the yesterday. The spirit [music] of the yesterday. The spirit [music] of the Lord is upon me. I've got a resurrection Lord is upon me. I've got a resurrection Lord is upon me. I've got a resurrection in my veins. Praise the Lord. [music] in my veins. Praise the Lord. [music] in my veins. Praise the Lord. [music] I've been born again and again and again I've been born again and again and again I've been born again and again and again and again. You rescue me out of the mess and again. You rescue me out of the mess and again. You rescue me out of the mess I was in. [music] You traded my soul for I was in. [music] You traded my soul for I was in. [music] You traded my soul for something to say. Now I'm dancing on the something to say. Now I'm dancing on the something to say. Now I'm dancing on the grave that I was in again. [music] grave that I was in again. [music] grave that I was in again. [music] Again, again Again, again Again, again you res me [music] [music] something to see. Now I'm dancing on the something to see. Now I'm dancing on the something to see. Now I'm dancing on the grave that I want to make.

I have decided I have decided to [music] follow [singing] Jesus. to [music] follow [singing] Jesus. to [music] follow [singing] Jesus. The world behind the cross before is The world behind the cross before is The world behind the cross before is [music] [music] [music] I have decided I have decided I have decided to [music] follow Jesus to [music] follow Jesus to [music] follow Jesus the world behind the cross before the world behind the cross before the world behind the cross before [music] [music] [music] I have decided have decided to follow [music] to follow [music] to follow [music] Jesus Jesus Jesus the world behind cross for [music] the world behind cross for [music] the world behind cross for [music] that. I have decided [music] that. I have decided [music] that. I have decided [music] to follow Jesus to follow Jesus to follow Jesus the [music] world behind the cross the [music] world behind the cross the [music] world behind the cross before it turns before it turns before it turns [music] [music] [music] before >> [music] >> [music] >> I want to >> I want to >> I want to I want to [music] I want to [music] I want to [music] the world behind the cross before the world behind the cross before the world behind the cross before [music] again and again and again and [music] again and again and again and [music] again and again and again and again. You rescued me out of the mess I again. You rescued me out of the mess I again. You rescued me out of the mess I was in. You traed [music] my sorrow for was in. You traed [music] my sorrow for was in. You traed [music] my sorrow for me to say no death that I won't [music] me to say no death that I won't [music] me to say no death that I won't [music] again again and again and again. You again again and again and again. You again again and again and again. You rescue me out of the mess. I was here my

rescue me out of the mess. I was here my rescue me out of the mess. I was here my soul. soul. soul. Dancing [music] on the grave that I once dancing [music] on the grave that I once dancing [music] on the grave that I once lived in. [screaming] Now [music] I'm dancing on the grave Now [music] I'm dancing on the grave that I once lived in. Can we put our that I once lived in. Can we put our that I once lived in. Can we put our hands together? The Lord is worthy hands together? The Lord is worthy hands together? The Lord is worthy [music] of our praise. We are set free [music] of our praise. We are set free [music] of our praise. We are set free in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. >> Dancing on the grave that I once lived >> Dancing on the grave that I once lived in. [music] Dancing on the grave that I in. [music] Dancing on the grave that I in. [music] Dancing on the grave that I once lived in. Dancing on the grave that once lived in. Dancing on the grave that once lived in. Dancing on the grave that I once lived [music] in. Dancing on the I once lived [music] in. Dancing on the I once lived [music] in. Dancing on the grave that I once lived in. Dancing grave that I once lived in. Dancing grave that I once lived in. Dancing [music] on the grave that I once lived [music] on the grave that I once lived [music] on the grave that I once lived in. Dancing on the grave that I once in. Dancing on the grave that I once in. Dancing on the grave that I once lived in. Dancing on [music] the grave lived in. Dancing on [music] the grave lived in. Dancing on [music] the grave that I once lived in. Dancing on the that I once lived in. Dancing on the that I once lived in. Dancing on the grave that I once lived in. Dancing on grave that I once lived in. Dancing on grave that I once lived in. Dancing on the grave that I once lived in. [music] the grave that I once lived in. [music] the grave that I once lived in. [music] Dancing on the grave that I once lived Dancing on the grave that I once lived Dancing on the grave that I once lived in. Dancing on the grave that I once in. Dancing on the grave that I once in. Dancing on the grave that I once lived in.

lived in. lived in. >> Praise [music] the Lord. I've been born >> Praise [music] the Lord. I've been born >> Praise [music] the Lord. I've been born again. again. again. [music] It's coming [music] on the cloud. Kings It's coming [music] on the cloud. Kings and kingdoms will bow down and every chain will break. [music] His and every chain will break. [music] His broken hearts declare his praise. broken hearts declare his praise. broken hearts declare his praise. Who can [music] stop the Lord? Who can [music] stop the Lord? Who can [music] stop the Lord? Come on, you sing it. Our God is [music] roaring roaring [music] our battles.

[music] our battles. [music] our battles. Every knee will bow [singing] before Every knee will bow [singing] before Every knee will bow [singing] before him. him. him. Our God is the lamb. [music] Our God is the lamb. [music] Our God is the lamb. [music] The lamb was slain for the sins of The lamb was slain for the sins of The lamb was slain for the sins of [singing and music] the world. His blood [singing and music] the world. His blood [singing and music] the world. His blood breaks the chain. breaks the chain. breaks the chain. Every knee will bow before the lion and Every knee will bow before the lion and Every knee will bow before the lion and the lamb. [music] the lamb. [music] the lamb. [music] Every knee will bow before him. Open up the gate. So open up the gates. Open up the gate. So open up the gates. Make way [music] before he came. A God [music] who comes to set here to A God [music] who comes to set here to set the castes set the castes set the castes free. Who can stop the Lord [music] free. Who can stop the Lord [music] free. Who can stop the Lord [music] Almighty? Almighty? Almighty? Our God is alive [music] and the true.

Our God is alive [music] and the true. Our God is alive [music] and the true. He's waring with power and [music] He's waring with power and [music] He's waring with power and [music] fighting our battle fighting our battle fighting our battle every Who can stop the Lord? Who can stop the Lord? [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] Sounds beautiful. Sounds beautiful. Sounds beautiful. Who can stop [music] the Lord? Who can stop the Lord? Who can stop the Lord? >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> Oh my. >> Oh my. >> Oh my. Who can stop the Lord instead?

Who can stop the Lord instead? Who can stop the Lord instead? Who [music] can stop the Lord Almighty? Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Who can stop the Lord Almighty? [music] Who can stop the Lord Almighty? Our God, the light, the light, [music] Our God, the light, the light, [music] the true he's roaring with power, the true he's roaring with power, the true he's roaring with power, [music] fighting the battle. [music] fighting the battle. [music] fighting the battle. Every will bow before him. [music] Every will bow before him. [music] Every will bow before him. [music] Our God is the lamb, the lamb that Our God is the lamb, the lamb that Our God is the lamb, the lamb that [music] was slain for the sin of the [music] was slain for the sin of the [music] was slain for the sin of the world. He's going [music] to break the world. He's going [music] to break the world. He's going [music] to break the chain. chain. chain. Everyone Everyone Everyone before [music] I [music] [music] Oh, heat, heat.

heat, heat. [music] >> El >> El [music and singing] [music] Your name [music] Your name is great is great is great [music] and worthy [singing]

[music] and worthy [singing] [music] and worthy [singing] to be praised. to be praised. to be praised. Your name Your name Your name is [music] great is [music] great is [music] great and greatly and greatly and greatly to be prais I I >> [music] >> lives in me. What mystery >> lives in me. What mystery else should I? else should I? else should I? You [music] are prince of [singing] You [music] are prince of [singing] You [music] are prince of [singing] peace. here with me your name. here with me your name. Your name Your name Your name is great [music] is great [music] is great [music] and worthy and worthy and worthy to [singing] be praised. Your name to [singing] be praised. Your name to [singing] be praised. Your name [music] is great [music] is great [music] is great and great and great and great to be praised.

to be praised. to be praised. Your name Your name Your name is [music] great is [music] great is [music] great and [singing] great and [singing] great and [singing] great to be praised. [music] to be praised. [music] to be praised. [music] Your name Your name Your name is [singing] great is [singing] great is [singing] great and great and great and great to be praised. worthy you were. [music] worthy you were. [music] Worthy you are. Worthy. You will be Worthy you are. Worthy. You will be Worthy you are. Worthy. You will be forever [music] your way. Worthy. You forever [music] your way. Worthy. You forever [music] your way. Worthy. You were worthy. You are worthy. You will be were worthy. You are worthy. You will be were worthy. You are worthy. You will be [music] forever young.

[music] forever young. [music] forever young. You are worthy. You [music] are worthy. You are worthy. You [music] are worthy. You are worthy. You [music] are worthy. You are forever young. You are forever young. You are forever young. Worthy you [music] are. Worthy you are. Worthy you [music] are. Worthy you are. Worthy you [music] are. Worthy you are. Worthy you will be forever. [music] Worthy you will be forever. [music] Worthy you will be forever. [music] Worthy you are and worthy [music] Worthy you are and worthy [music] Worthy you are and worthy [music] you are. Worthy you will be forever. you are. Worthy you will be forever. you are. Worthy you will be forever. [music] [music] [music] Worthy Worthy Worthy worthy you are. [music] Worthy you will worthy you are. [music] Worthy you will worthy you are. [music] Worthy you will be forever. Your name Your name is [music] great is [music] great is [music] great and worthy and worthy and worthy to be raised. Your name [music] to be raised. Your name [music] to be raised. Your name [music] is great is great is great and ready and ready and ready to be.

to be. to be. [music] Your name [music] Your name [music] Your name is ready is ready is ready and [music] ready and [music] ready and [music] ready to be is ready is ready and ready [music] and ready [music] and ready [music] to be worthy. to be worthy. to be worthy. Worthy you were worthy you [music] are. Worthy you were worthy you [music] are. Worthy you were worthy you [music] are. Worthy you will be forever Worthy you will be forever Worthy you will be forever your way. [music] your way. [music] your way. [music] Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy you [music] will be forever you [music] will be forever you [music] will be forever your way. Worthy [music] you worthy. your way. Worthy [music] you worthy. your way. Worthy [music] you worthy. Worthy you are. Worthy you will be Worthy you are. Worthy you will be Worthy you are. Worthy you will be forever. forever. forever. [music] [music] [music] Worthy you are. and worthy you are. Worthy you are. and worthy you are. Worthy you are. and worthy you are. Worthy you [music] will be forever your Worthy you [music] will be forever your Worthy you [music] will be forever your way.

Jesus will forever be worthy of our Jesus will forever be worthy of our praise. praise. praise. [music] Forever worthy of our worship. Forever worthy of our worship. You can be seated for just a second. You can be seated for just a second. You can be seated for just a second. Jesus is so good, so kind, Jesus is so good, so kind, Jesus is so good, so kind, so [music] loving and perfect that every so [music] loving and perfect that every so [music] loving and perfect that every single encounter with Jesus, the only single encounter with Jesus, the only single encounter with Jesus, the only real response we can have is [music] real response we can have is [music] real response we can have is [music] worship. Amen. worship. Amen. worship. Amen. Gratitude and awe. We see it even in the Gratitude and awe. We see it even in the Gratitude and awe. We see it even in the scriptures. Every real encounter with scriptures. Every real encounter with scriptures. Every real encounter with Jesus, people's lives would be changed Jesus, people's lives would be changed Jesus, people's lives would be changed and [music] they would be in awe and in and [music] they would be in awe and in and [music] they would be in awe and in worship. worship. worship. We're going to continue in worship with We're going to continue in worship with We're going to continue in worship with a time of giving. And it's so important a time of giving. And it's so important a time of giving. And it's so important to realize that that it's so much more. to realize that that it's so much more. to realize that that it's so much more. Worship is so much more than just Worship is so much more than just Worship is so much more than just singing songs here on a Sunday morning. singing songs here on a Sunday morning. singing songs here on a Sunday morning. It's so much more. We read in the It's so much more. We read in the It's so much more. We read in the scripture that it's actually worship is scripture that it's actually worship is scripture that it's actually worship is us giving our lives, our entire lives to us giving our lives, our entire lives to us giving our lives, our entire lives to God. We're going to read in Romans 12:1 God. We're going to read in Romans 12:1 God. We're going to read in Romans 12:1 on the screen. Y'all read this with me. on the screen. Y'all read this with me. on the screen. Y'all read this with me. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I And so, dear brothers and sisters, I And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to plead with you to give your bodies to plead with you to give your bodies to God [music] because of all that he has God [music] because of all that he has God [music] because of all that he has done for you. Let them be a living and done for you. Let them be a living and done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice, the kind that he will holy sacrifice, the kind that he will holy sacrifice, the kind that he will find acceptable [music] acceptable. This find acceptable [music] acceptable. This find acceptable [music] acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Yes, we is truly the way to worship him. Yes, we is truly the way to worship him. Yes, we we worship with songs. We worship with we worship with songs. We worship with we worship with songs. We worship with lifting our hands and worship with lifting our hands and worship with lifting our hands and worship with praise, [music] but it's literally our praise, [music] but it's literally our praise, [music] but it's literally our lives that are the offering.

lives that are the offering. lives that are the offering. I have a friend that writes a lot of I have a friend that writes a lot of I have a friend that writes a lot of these songs that we [music] sing on these songs that we [music] sing on these songs that we [music] sing on Sunday. And I was we were talking about Sunday. And I was we were talking about Sunday. And I was we were talking about what is the perfect song? And he said it what is the perfect song? And he said it what is the perfect song? And he said it with tears in his eyes. He said, "What with tears in his eyes. He said, "What with tears in his eyes. He said, "What if the perfect song is the life that we if the perfect song is the life that we if the perfect song is the life that we live?" live?" live?" The life that [music] we live. We get to The life that [music] we live. We get to The life that [music] we live. We get to make our magnum opus for God, each one make our magnum opus for God, each one make our magnum opus for God, each one of us. of us. of us. And what does that look like played out And what does that look like played out And what does that look like played out in real time? It looks like loving in real time? It looks like loving in real time? It looks like loving [music] your neighbor as an act of [music] your neighbor as an act of [music] your neighbor as an act of worship. Loving your enemies. How many worship. Loving your enemies. How many worship. Loving your enemies. How many people in this room have been hurt by people in this room have been hurt by people in this room have been hurt by someone? Every single one of us. Cuz someone? Every single one of us. Cuz someone? Every single one of us. Cuz we're human beings. [music] What does it we're human beings. [music] What does it we're human beings. [music] What does it look like to love the people that have look like to love the people that have look like to love the people that have hurt us with healthy boundaries? What hurt us with healthy boundaries? What hurt us with healthy boundaries? What does it look like to repair with our does it look like to repair with our does it look like to repair with our spouses and our children? That's an act spouses and our children? That's an act spouses and our children? That's an act [music] of worship. What does it look [music] of worship. What does it look [music] of worship. What does it look like to trust the Lord with our like to trust the Lord with our like to trust the Lord with our resources? resources? resources? And so, as we move into this time of And so, as we move into this time of And so, as we move into this time of giving, giving, giving, it's so important to realize that we it's so important to realize that we it's so important to realize that we don't give out of an obligation. We give don't give out of an obligation. We give don't give out of an obligation. We give as a response to his goodness and his as a response to his goodness and his as a response to his goodness and his how he's been good to us. Amen. It's a how he's been good to us. Amen. It's a how he's been good to us. Amen. It's a response. Also, the scripture teaches, response. Also, the scripture teaches, response. Also, the scripture teaches, you know, you love me because you obey you know, you love me because you obey you know, you love me because you obey me. It's actually a command. And so, me. It's actually a command. And so, me. It's actually a command. And so, [music] we do it as an act of worship.

[music] we do it as an act of worship. [music] we do it as an act of worship. So, the ways that we can give will be up So, the ways that we can give will be up So, the ways that we can give will be up here on the screen. And if you're here on the screen. And if you're here on the screen. And if you're currently [music] someone who gives currently [music] someone who gives currently [music] someone who gives regularly, we want to say thank you for regularly, we want to say thank you for regularly, we want to say thank you for your faithfulness, giving to [music] our your faithfulness, giving to [music] our your faithfulness, giving to [music] our church. And if you're someone that's church. And if you're someone that's church. And if you're someone that's never given, today is a perfect day to never given, today is a perfect day to never given, today is a perfect day to start as a way of doing that, as a new start as a way of doing that, as a new start as a way of doing that, as a new [music] act of worship in your life. [music] act of worship in your life. [music] act of worship in your life. It's a new act of worship. So, I'm going It's a new act of worship. So, I'm going It's a new act of worship. So, I'm going to ask the ushers [music] to come to ask the ushers [music] to come to ask the ushers [music] to come forward, we're going to do something a forward, we're going to do something a forward, we're going to do something a little bit differently today. And as we little bit differently today. And as we little bit differently today. And as we [music] as these uh the offering baskets [music] as these uh the offering baskets [music] as these uh the offering baskets pass in front of you, we're going to pass in front of you, we're going to pass in front of you, we're going to continue singing this song. Worthy you continue singing this song. Worthy you continue singing this song. Worthy you were, worthy you are. Worthy [music] you were, worthy you are. Worthy [music] you were, worthy you are. Worthy [music] you will be forever. Let's say that again. will be forever. Let's say that again. will be forever. Let's say that again. And Alyssa, will you lead that that for And Alyssa, will you lead that that for And Alyssa, will you lead that that for us? Let's sing that again. >> Worthy you [singing] were. >> Worthy you [singing] were. Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy you [singing] will be forever Worthy you [singing] will be forever Worthy you [singing] will be forever [music] your way. Worthy you were. [music] your way. Worthy you were. [music] your way. Worthy you were. Worthy you [singing] Worthy you [singing] Worthy you [singing] were.

were. were. Worthy you will be forever Worthy you will be forever Worthy you will be forever [music and singing] your way. Worthy you [music and singing] your way. Worthy you [music and singing] your way. Worthy you are. Worthy you are. Worthy you [music] are. Worthy you are. Worthy you [music] are. Worthy you are. Worthy you [music] will be forever [singing] your way. will be forever [singing] your way. will be forever [singing] your way. Worthy you were [music] Worthy you were [music] Worthy you were [music] worthy. [singing] Worthy you will be forever your Worthy you will be forever your [singing] way. Let's sing church your name. Let's sing church your name. Your [singing] name Your [singing] name Your [singing] name is great [music] is great [music] is great [music] and great [singing] and great [singing] and great [singing] to be praised. Your [music] name to be praised. Your [music] name to be praised. Your [music] name [singing] [singing] [singing] is great is great is great and great and great and great to be praised. to be praised. to be praised. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Your [music] name >> Your [music] name >> Your [music] name is great is great is great and great and great and great to [music and singing] be praised. Your to [music and singing] be praised. Your to [music and singing] be praised. Your name name name is great [singing] is great [singing] is great [singing] and greatly [music] and greatly [music] and greatly [music] to be praised.

All [music] of creation, All [music] of creation, all of the earth made straight a all of the earth made straight a all of the earth made straight a highway, a path for the Lord. highway, a path for the Lord. highway, a path for the Lord. Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] is coming is coming is coming soon. Call [music] back the sin. Wake up the Call [music] back the sin. Wake up the saint. Let [music and singing] every saint. Let [music and singing] every saint. Let [music and singing] every nation shout of your faith. Y'all sing nation shout of your faith. Y'all sing nation shout of your faith. Y'all sing it. it. it. Jesus is [music] coming [singing] Jesus is [music] coming [singing] Jesus is [music] coming [singing] soon. Mark of bride waiting Mark of bride waiting [music and singing] for a world. We'll [music and singing] for a world. We'll [music and singing] for a world. We'll be a church ready for you. Every heart be a church ready for you. Every heart be a church ready for you. Every heart longing [singing] longing [singing] longing [singing] [music] for a king. Even so come Even so come Lord Jesus Lord Jesus Lord Jesus [music] come. >> Even so come >> Even so come Lord Jesus [music and singing] Lord Jesus [music and singing] Lord Jesus [music and singing] come.

>> There will be justice. All will be new. >> There will be justice. All will be new. Your name forever. Paid for and true. Your name forever. Paid for and true. Your name forever. Paid for and true. [music] God [music] God [music] God Jesus is coming Jesus is coming Jesus is coming soon. soon. soon. I cry I cry I cry like [music] a ride waiting for like [music] a ride waiting for like [music] a ride waiting for [music] [music] [music] a church ready a church ready a church ready every heart longing [music] for every heart longing [music] for every heart longing [music] for you. you. you. Even so come Even so come Even so come for Jesus. Even so Even so [music] Lord Jesus. [music] So we wait. [music] So we wait. We wait for you. [music] We wait for you. [music] We wait for you. [music] Let's lift our hands and sing this to Let's lift our hands and sing this to Let's lift our hands and sing this to him. him. him. God, we wait. God, we wait. God, we wait. You're coming You're coming You're coming soon.

soon. soon. Oh, we wait. God, we wait. [music] Oh, we wait. God, we wait. [music] Oh, we wait. God, we wait. [music] We wait for [singing] We wait for [singing] We wait for [singing] you on [music] the cloud. you on [music] the cloud. you on [music] the cloud. God, we wait. God, we wait. God, we wait. We [music] >> like a rock. >> like a rock. Like a [music] bride waiting [singing] Like a [music] bride waiting [singing] Like a [music] bride waiting [singing] for her for her for her to be [music] true. to be [music] true. to be [music] true. >> Every heart longing [music and singing] >> Every heart longing [music and singing] >> Every heart longing [music and singing] for her. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> [music] >> Lord Jesus.

>> Lord Jesus. >> Lord Jesus. [music] I love that because it's based on a I love that because it's based on a passage. It's based on the words of the passage. It's based on the words of the passage. It's based on the words of the Apostle John who said, "Even so, Lord Apostle John who said, "Even so, Lord Apostle John who said, "Even so, Lord Jesus, come." Let's pray that together. Jesus, come." Let's pray that together. Jesus, come." Let's pray that together. Lord, that's our prayer. Even so, come. Lord, that's our prayer. Even so, come. Lord, that's our prayer. Even so, come. We look forward to your coming. We We look forward to your coming. We We look forward to your coming. We rejoice in the day when you will come rejoice in the day when you will come rejoice in the day when you will come back as King of Kings and Lord of Lords back as King of Kings and Lord of Lords back as King of Kings and Lord of Lords and establish your kingdom on this war and establish your kingdom on this war and establish your kingdom on this war torn, sinfilled planet of ours that so torn, sinfilled planet of ours that so torn, sinfilled planet of ours that so desperately needs you. And Lord, we ask desperately needs you. And Lord, we ask desperately needs you. And Lord, we ask you to speak to us now as we open your you to speak to us now as we open your you to speak to us now as we open your word and as we look at what you said word and as we look at what you said word and as we look at what you said about the end times. You look into the about the end times. You look into the about the end times. You look into the future with perfect clarity, knowing the future with perfect clarity, knowing the future with perfect clarity, knowing the future as well as, you know, the past future as well as, you know, the past future as well as, you know, the past and the present. So help us to learn and the present. So help us to learn and the present. So help us to learn understanding that Bible prophecy is not understanding that Bible prophecy is not understanding that Bible prophecy is not given to scare us, but to prepare us, to given to scare us, but to prepare us, to given to scare us, but to prepare us, to make us ready for your return. And make us ready for your return. And make us ready for your return. And that's what we want to be doing, Lord.

that's what we want to be doing, Lord. that's what we want to be doing, Lord. doing what you've called us to do as we doing what you've called us to do as we doing what you've called us to do as we await the return of Jesus Christ. So await the return of Jesus Christ. So await the return of Jesus Christ. So bless this time of Bible study. We bless this time of Bible study. We bless this time of Bible study. We commit it to you now in Jesus' name. commit it to you now in Jesus' name. commit it to you now in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> You can all be seated. Good morning. >> You can all be seated. Good morning. >> You can all be seated. Good morning. Great to see you. Why don't you grab Great to see you. Why don't you grab Great to see you. Why don't you grab your Bible and turn to Luke chap 21. As your Bible and turn to Luke chap 21. As your Bible and turn to Luke chap 21. As many of you know, uh I started out in my many of you know, uh I started out in my many of you know, uh I started out in my ministry as a cartoonist. I drew a ministry as a cartoonist. I drew a ministry as a cartoonist. I drew a little cartoon book called Living Water. little cartoon book called Living Water. little cartoon book called Living Water. And then I created a couple of And then I created a couple of And then I created a couple of characters. Ben, Born Again, and Yellow characters. Ben, Born Again, and Yellow characters. Ben, Born Again, and Yellow Dog, right? And so we have a brand new Dog, right? And so we have a brand new Dog, right? And so we have a brand new cartoon, a comic book out. Uh if you cartoon, a comic book out. Uh if you cartoon, a comic book out. Uh if you want to get one in the bookstore, want to get one in the bookstore, want to get one in the bookstore, there's a young lady sitting in the there's a young lady sitting in the there's a young lady sitting in the front row. Would you like this? Bring front row. Would you like this? Bring front row. Would you like this? Bring with that little toy with you, too. I with that little toy with you, too. I with that little toy with you, too. I did not set this up, but look what she's did not set this up, but look what she's did not set this up, but look what she's holding. She has a yellow dog plush toy. holding. She has a yellow dog plush toy. holding. She has a yellow dog plush toy. That's cute. Thank you, Amelia. That's cute. Thank you, Amelia. That's cute. Thank you, Amelia. [applause] [applause] [applause] Now, don't read that while I'm speaking. Now, don't read that while I'm speaking. Now, don't read that while I'm speaking. Okay? Now, so Luke chapter 21 is our text and the so Luke chapter 21 is our text and the title of my message is, "Look up. Jesus title of my message is, "Look up. Jesus title of my message is, "Look up. Jesus is coming." I heard the story of a is coming." I heard the story of a is coming." I heard the story of a salesman out on the road after a long salesman out on the road after a long salesman out on the road after a long day of work. He went back to his hotel day of work. He went back to his hotel day of work. He went back to his hotel room and he was getting ready for bed, room and he was getting ready for bed, room and he was getting ready for bed, sitting on the edge of his bed, taking sitting on the edge of his bed, taking sitting on the edge of his bed, taking his shoes off and his first shoe dropped his shoes off and his first shoe dropped his shoes off and his first shoe dropped with a big thud. Then he thought, "Whoa, with a big thud. Then he thought, "Whoa, with a big thud. Then he thought, "Whoa, what if somebody's like in the room what if somebody's like in the room what if somebody's like in the room below me? I'll wake them up." So he took

below me? I'll wake them up." So he took below me? I'll wake them up." So he took the other shoe off very quietly and set the other shoe off very quietly and set the other shoe off very quietly and set it gently on the carpet. He went to bed. it gently on the carpet. He went to bed. it gently on the carpet. He went to bed. 30 minutes passed. There's a knock on 30 minutes passed. There's a knock on 30 minutes passed. There's a knock on the door. He opens it. There's a man the door. He opens it. There's a man the door. He opens it. There's a man with dark circles under his eyes and the with dark circles under his eyes and the with dark circles under his eyes and the man says, "I'm in the room below you and man says, "I'm in the room below you and man says, "I'm in the room below you and I'm waiting for the other's shoe to drop I'm waiting for the other's shoe to drop I'm waiting for the other's shoe to drop so I can get some sleep." so I can get some sleep." so I can get some sleep." I feel like our whole culture right now I feel like our whole culture right now I feel like our whole culture right now in a way is waiting for the other shoe in a way is waiting for the other shoe in a way is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Even among non-believers, there to drop. Even among non-believers, there to drop. Even among non-believers, there is a recognition that something is going is a recognition that something is going is a recognition that something is going on in the world, something that is not on in the world, something that is not on in the world, something that is not good. Could this be what the Bible says good. Could this be what the Bible says good. Could this be what the Bible says would be the end of days? A USC Irvine would be the end of days? A USC Irvine would be the end of days? A USC Irvine study published this year uh revealed study published this year uh revealed study published this year uh revealed that up to 40% of Americans believe that up to 40% of Americans believe that up to 40% of Americans believe we're living in the end times. These are we're living in the end times. These are we're living in the end times. These are not churchgoing people. These are not not churchgoing people. These are not not churchgoing people. These are not Christians. These are not Bible Christians. These are not Bible Christians. These are not Bible students. These are just regular folks students. These are just regular folks students. These are just regular folks out there who are reading the same news out there who are reading the same news out there who are reading the same news headlines that you're reading and headlines that you're reading and headlines that you're reading and they're wondering are we in the last they're wondering are we in the last they're wondering are we in the last days. Uh one expert said we live in a days. Uh one expert said we live in a days. Uh one expert said we live in a culture a wash and apocalyptic culture a wash and apocalyptic culture a wash and apocalyptic imagery. In fact, the very word imagery. In fact, the very word imagery. In fact, the very word apocalypse now has become a secular apocalypse now has become a secular apocalypse now has become a secular word. It's not just a word that we would word. It's not just a word that we would word. It's not just a word that we would use. Even non-believers are using it to use. Even non-believers are using it to use. Even non-believers are using it to describe the times that we're living in.

describe the times that we're living in. describe the times that we're living in. There's a whole kind of programming now There's a whole kind of programming now There's a whole kind of programming now that's out there that they call that's out there that they call that's out there that they call apocalyptic fiction or doomer fiction. apocalyptic fiction or doomer fiction. apocalyptic fiction or doomer fiction. Shows like The Last of Us, The Walking Shows like The Last of Us, The Walking Shows like The Last of Us, The Walking Dead, Black Mirror, The Handmaid's Tale, Dead, Black Mirror, The Handmaid's Tale, Dead, Black Mirror, The Handmaid's Tale, they all are of the doomer genre. A they all are of the doomer genre. A they all are of the doomer genre. A whole genre now built around the times whole genre now built around the times whole genre now built around the times in which we're living. And so we wonder, in which we're living. And so we wonder, in which we're living. And so we wonder, are we in the last days? Of course. You are we in the last days? Of course. You are we in the last days? Of course. You know what I think about that? I believe know what I think about that? I believe know what I think about that? I believe we are. I believe Jesus could come back we are. I believe Jesus could come back we are. I believe Jesus could come back at any moment. And the church has been at any moment. And the church has been at any moment. And the church has been praying about this for over 2,000 years praying about this for over 2,000 years praying about this for over 2,000 years as our Lord taught us to. And the Lord's as our Lord taught us to. And the Lord's as our Lord taught us to. And the Lord's prayer, we say, "Our Father, who art in prayer, we say, "Our Father, who art in prayer, we say, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your heaven, hallowed be your name. Your heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth kingdom come. Your will be done on earth kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." That's what we're as it is in heaven." That's what we're as it is in heaven." That's what we're praying for. The return of Jesus Christ. praying for. The return of Jesus Christ. praying for. The return of Jesus Christ. Well, here before us in Luke 21 is an Well, here before us in Luke 21 is an Well, here before us in Luke 21 is an answer of Jesus to a question. In fact, answer of Jesus to a question. In fact, answer of Jesus to a question. In fact, it's the longest answer he gave to any it's the longest answer he gave to any it's the longest answer he gave to any question that was ever asked of him. And question that was ever asked of him. And question that was ever asked of him. And the question was, "What will be the sign the question was, "What will be the sign the question was, "What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the of your coming and of the end of the of your coming and of the end of the world?"

world?" world?" This same uh talk that Jesus gave is This same uh talk that Jesus gave is This same uh talk that Jesus gave is also found in Matthew 24 often called also found in Matthew 24 often called also found in Matthew 24 often called the Olivet discourse because it was the Olivet discourse because it was the Olivet discourse because it was delivered on the Mount of Olives which delivered on the Mount of Olives which delivered on the Mount of Olives which is right outside of the city of is right outside of the city of is right outside of the city of Jerusalem. So I want to talk about what Jerusalem. So I want to talk about what Jerusalem. So I want to talk about what Jesus said in this chapter and just talk Jesus said in this chapter and just talk Jesus said in this chapter and just talk about the importance of talking about about the importance of talking about about the importance of talking about the end times in general. Why? Because the end times in general. Why? Because the end times in general. Why? Because 25% of the Bible is prophetic. So it's 25% of the Bible is prophetic. So it's 25% of the Bible is prophetic. So it's not some obscure side note. The Bible not some obscure side note. The Bible not some obscure side note. The Bible literally oozes with the return of Jesus literally oozes with the return of Jesus literally oozes with the return of Jesus Christ. In fact, the New Testament Christ. In fact, the New Testament Christ. In fact, the New Testament contains over 300 references to the contains over 300 references to the contains over 300 references to the return of Christ. That's one out of return of Christ. That's one out of return of Christ. That's one out of every 13 verses. More than 29% of the every 13 verses. More than 29% of the every 13 verses. More than 29% of the 21,000 plus verses in the Bible contain 21,000 plus verses in the Bible contain 21,000 plus verses in the Bible contain prophecy. Okay. So, I bring this up prophecy. Okay. So, I bring this up prophecy. Okay. So, I bring this up because if the Lord talks about it so because if the Lord talks about it so because if the Lord talks about it so much, shouldn't we pay attention to it?

much, shouldn't we pay attention to it? much, shouldn't we pay attention to it? There used to be a time when you heard There used to be a time when you heard There used to be a time when you heard this topic addressed in church more this topic addressed in church more this topic addressed in church more often. But now we see some churches that often. But now we see some churches that often. But now we see some churches that used to talk about it not talking about used to talk about it not talking about used to talk about it not talking about it anymore. And that is a mistake it anymore. And that is a mistake it anymore. And that is a mistake because there's a lot of advantages to because there's a lot of advantages to because there's a lot of advantages to studying the end times or as it studying the end times or as it studying the end times or as it sometimes called esquetology sometimes called esquetology sometimes called esquetology or the last days. In fact, let me give or the last days. In fact, let me give or the last days. In fact, let me give you quick five reasons why it's a good you quick five reasons why it's a good you quick five reasons why it's a good thing to talk about this and to study thing to talk about this and to study thing to talk about this and to study this. Number one, understanding Bible this. Number one, understanding Bible this. Number one, understanding Bible prophecy brings hope in a hopeless prophecy brings hope in a hopeless prophecy brings hope in a hopeless world. world. world. Let me say that again. Understanding Let me say that again. Understanding Let me say that again. Understanding Bible prophecy brings hope in a hopeless Bible prophecy brings hope in a hopeless Bible prophecy brings hope in a hopeless world. You know, if you're just reading world. You know, if you're just reading world. You know, if you're just reading news headlines, they call it doom news headlines, they call it doom news headlines, they call it doom scrolling on your phone, it's going to scrolling on your phone, it's going to scrolling on your phone, it's going to bring you down. uh 2025 poll uh from the bring you down. uh 2025 poll uh from the bring you down. uh 2025 poll uh from the Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 20 Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 20 Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 20 38% of adults report worse sleep tied to 38% of adults report worse sleep tied to 38% of adults report worse sleep tied to doom scrolling before bed and it's doom scrolling before bed and it's doom scrolling before bed and it's linked to anxiety and depression. I linked to anxiety and depression. I linked to anxiety and depression. I remember one person told me that things remember one person told me that things remember one person told me that things that are going on in the world keeps that are going on in the world keeps that are going on in the world keeps them up at night. That should not be the them up at night. That should not be the them up at night. That should not be the case because understanding Bible case because understanding Bible case because understanding Bible prophecy brings hope in a hopeless prophecy brings hope in a hopeless prophecy brings hope in a hopeless world. Jesus said, "When you see these world. Jesus said, "When you see these world. Jesus said, "When you see these things begin to happen, look up for your things begin to happen, look up for your things begin to happen, look up for your redemption is drawing near." Maybe we redemption is drawing near." Maybe we redemption is drawing near." Maybe we spend too much time looking down at our spend too much time looking down at our spend too much time looking down at our phones. And we don't spend enough time

phones. And we don't spend enough time phones. And we don't spend enough time looking up, remembering that Jesus said looking up, remembering that Jesus said looking up, remembering that Jesus said he will come back again. That's why the he will come back again. That's why the he will come back again. That's why the Bible calls it the blessed hope. In Bible calls it the blessed hope. In Bible calls it the blessed hope. In Titus 2:13, it says, "We wait for that Titus 2:13, it says, "We wait for that Titus 2:13, it says, "We wait for that blessed hope that is the appearing of blessed hope that is the appearing of blessed hope that is the appearing of the glory of God, of our great God and the glory of God, of our great God and the glory of God, of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." And by the way, Savior Jesus Christ." And by the way, Savior Jesus Christ." And by the way, that word blessed can be translated that word blessed can be translated that word blessed can be translated happy. It's a happy hope. It's a happy happy. It's a happy hope. It's a happy happy. It's a happy hope. It's a happy thing to know that Jesus could come back thing to know that Jesus could come back thing to know that Jesus could come back at any moment. Martin Luther said, and I at any moment. Martin Luther said, and I at any moment. Martin Luther said, and I quote, "There are two days on my quote, "There are two days on my quote, "There are two days on my calendar, this day and that day." End calendar, this day and that day." End calendar, this day and that day." End quote. And that day that he was quote. And that day that he was quote. And that day that he was referring to was the hope of the return referring to was the hope of the return referring to was the hope of the return of Christ. Another reason it's a good of Christ. Another reason it's a good of Christ. Another reason it's a good thing to study Bible prophecy is it thing to study Bible prophecy is it thing to study Bible prophecy is it unravels the mystery of history? It unravels the mystery of history? It unravels the mystery of history? It unravels the mystery of history. We ask unravels the mystery of history. We ask unravels the mystery of history. We ask why is there so much evil in the world? why is there so much evil in the world? why is there so much evil in the world? Uh when will right prevail over wrong? Uh when will right prevail over wrong? Uh when will right prevail over wrong? When will Satan finally be judged?

When will Satan finally be judged? When will Satan finally be judged? answer when Christ comes back and answer when Christ comes back and answer when Christ comes back and establishes his kingdom. There's great establishes his kingdom. There's great establishes his kingdom. There's great benefits in talking about this in benefits in talking about this in benefits in talking about this in studying the end times events and studying the end times events and studying the end times events and specifically studying the book of specifically studying the book of specifically studying the book of Revelation. In fact, that's the only Revelation. In fact, that's the only Revelation. In fact, that's the only book of the Bible. It has an actual book of the Bible. It has an actual book of the Bible. It has an actual blessing attached to the person who blessing attached to the person who blessing attached to the person who reads and understands it. It says that reads and understands it. It says that reads and understands it. It says that there's a blessing for the person who there's a blessing for the person who there's a blessing for the person who reads, hears, and keeps the words of reads, hears, and keeps the words of reads, hears, and keeps the words of this book. So, you're blessed when you this book. So, you're blessed when you this book. So, you're blessed when you have a biblical understanding of these have a biblical understanding of these have a biblical understanding of these things. I heard a story about a guy who things. I heard a story about a guy who things. I heard a story about a guy who loves studying the book of Revelation. loves studying the book of Revelation. loves studying the book of Revelation. And some academics came to him. They And some academics came to him. They And some academics came to him. They considered themselves great theologians. considered themselves great theologians. considered themselves great theologians. He said, "Why do you read the book of He said, "Why do you read the book of He said, "Why do you read the book of Revelation all the time? No one can Revelation all the time? No one can Revelation all the time? No one can understand that book. It's an enigma." understand that book. It's an enigma." understand that book. It's an enigma." The guy says, "No, I I I love to read it The guy says, "No, I I I love to read it The guy says, "No, I I I love to read it and I understand it." "Oh, do you?" They and I understand it." "Oh, do you?" They and I understand it." "Oh, do you?" They said, "Okay, then explain the book of said, "Okay, then explain the book of said, "Okay, then explain the book of Revelation to us." And he says, "It Revelation to us." And he says, "It Revelation to us." And he says, "It means we win in the end." He got it means we win in the end." He got it means we win in the end." He got it right. He got it right.

Another reason we should study Bible Another reason we should study Bible prophecy is it brings sense to our prophecy is it brings sense to our prophecy is it brings sense to our suffering. It brings sense to our suffering. It brings sense to our suffering. It brings sense to our suffering. What do you say to someone suffering. What do you say to someone suffering. What do you say to someone who has suffered a great tragedy? What who has suffered a great tragedy? What who has suffered a great tragedy? What do you say to someone who is dealing do you say to someone who is dealing do you say to someone who is dealing with a severe disability? What do you with a severe disability? What do you with a severe disability? What do you say to someone who has lost a loved one? say to someone who has lost a loved one? say to someone who has lost a loved one? Who what do you say to someone who is Who what do you say to someone who is Who what do you say to someone who is weeping with grief? You say, "This is weeping with grief? You say, "This is weeping with grief? You say, "This is not God's final plan." You say, "There's not God's final plan." You say, "There's not God's final plan." You say, "There's coming a day according to Revelation coming a day according to Revelation coming a day according to Revelation 21:4 when God will wipe every tear from 21:4 when God will wipe every tear from 21:4 when God will wipe every tear from their eyes and there'll be no more death their eyes and there'll be no more death their eyes and there'll be no more death nor sorrow nor crying for all those nor sorrow nor crying for all those nor sorrow nor crying for all those things are gone forever." You say to things are gone forever." You say to things are gone forever." You say to someone who has lost a loved one who someone who has lost a loved one who someone who has lost a loved one who died in faith that one day the Lord died in faith that one day the Lord died in faith that one day the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a himself will descend from heaven with a himself will descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the shout and with the voice of the shout and with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God and the archangel and the trump of God and the archangel and the trump of God and the dead in Christ shall rise first and we dead in Christ shall rise first and we dead in Christ shall rise first and we who are alive and remaining shall be who are alive and remaining shall be who are alive and remaining shall be caught up together with them in the caught up together with them in the caught up together with them in the clouds and so shall we ever be with the clouds and so shall we ever be with the clouds and so shall we ever be with the Lord. That's what you say.

Lord. That's what you say. Lord. That's what you say. [applause] [applause] [applause] You say you'll be reunited with your You say you'll be reunited with your You say you'll be reunited with your loved one again. And that is why after loved one again. And that is why after loved one again. And that is why after he made that statement, the Apostle Paul he made that statement, the Apostle Paul he made that statement, the Apostle Paul added this. Therefore, comfort one added this. Therefore, comfort one added this. Therefore, comfort one another with these words. another with these words. another with these words. And Bible prophecy causes us to want to And Bible prophecy causes us to want to And Bible prophecy causes us to want to live a godly life. Studying Bible live a godly life. Studying Bible live a godly life. Studying Bible prophecy causes us to want to live a prophecy causes us to want to live a prophecy causes us to want to live a godly life. The the more that we learn godly life. The the more that we learn godly life. The the more that we learn about the future, the more we'll be about the future, the more we'll be about the future, the more we'll be motivated to live right in the present. motivated to live right in the present. motivated to live right in the present. You know, it's an interesting thing to You know, it's an interesting thing to You know, it's an interesting thing to note that whenever you read what the note that whenever you read what the note that whenever you read what the Bible says about the future, there is Bible says about the future, there is Bible says about the future, there is usually an exhortation to live a godly usually an exhortation to live a godly usually an exhortation to live a godly life attached to it. So, it's always life attached to it. So, it's always life attached to it. So, it's always with a purpose. As an example, second with a purpose. As an example, second with a purpose. As an example, second Peter 3:11 says, "Since everything Peter 3:11 says, "Since everything Peter 3:11 says, "Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like around us is going to be destroyed like around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives we this, what holy and godly lives we this, what holy and godly lives we should be living." Right? So, some should be living." Right? So, some should be living." Right? So, some people say, "But it's too hard to figure people say, "But it's too hard to figure people say, "But it's too hard to figure out. It's too hard to understand. Know out. It's too hard to understand. Know out. It's too hard to understand. Know this, it is not God's do desire to this, it is not God's do desire to this, it is not God's do desire to conceal but to reveal. In fact, the very conceal but to reveal. In fact, the very conceal but to reveal. In fact, the very word revelation means unveiling.

word revelation means unveiling. word revelation means unveiling. Uh Jesus when he talked about the Uh Jesus when he talked about the Uh Jesus when he talked about the abomination of desolation, which is when abomination of desolation, which is when abomination of desolation, which is when the antichrist sets up the rebuilt the antichrist sets up the rebuilt the antichrist sets up the rebuilt Jewish temple and erects an image of Jewish temple and erects an image of Jewish temple and erects an image of himself in it and tells people to himself in it and tells people to himself in it and tells people to worship it. Jesus says, "Let the reader worship it. Jesus says, "Let the reader worship it. Jesus says, "Let the reader understand." When you see the understand." When you see the understand." When you see the abomination of desolation, let the abomination of desolation, let the abomination of desolation, let the reader understand. In other words, hey reader understand. In other words, hey reader understand. In other words, hey man, figure this out. You need to know man, figure this out. You need to know man, figure this out. You need to know about these things. Paul when addressing about these things. Paul when addressing about these things. Paul when addressing the topic of end times events says, "I the topic of end times events says, "I the topic of end times events says, "I would not have you ignorant brothers and would not have you ignorant brothers and would not have you ignorant brothers and sisters." So we can understand these sisters." So we can understand these sisters." So we can understand these things and we need to understand these things and we need to understand these things and we need to understand these things to the best of our ability. So things to the best of our ability. So things to the best of our ability. So here we have the Olivet discourse in here we have the Olivet discourse in here we have the Olivet discourse in Luke chap 21 where Jesus is answering Luke chap 21 where Jesus is answering Luke chap 21 where Jesus is answering the question what will be the sign of the question what will be the sign of the question what will be the sign of your coming. Let's go to Luke 21:8. your coming. Let's go to Luke 21:8. your coming. Let's go to Luke 21:8. Watch that you are not deceived for many Watch that you are not deceived for many Watch that you are not deceived for many will come in my name saying I am he and will come in my name saying I am he and will come in my name saying I am he and the time is near. Do not follow them. the time is near. Do not follow them. the time is near. Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars When you hear of wars and rumors of wars When you hear of wars and rumors of wars or wars and uprisings do not be or wars and uprisings do not be or wars and uprisings do not be frightened. These things must happen but frightened. These things must happen but frightened. These things must happen but the end will not come right away. Now the end will not come right away. Now the end will not come right away. Now Jesus is describing what we call the Jesus is describing what we call the Jesus is describing what we call the great tribulation period. In fact, if great tribulation period. In fact, if great tribulation period. In fact, if you were to take the events of the great you were to take the events of the great you were to take the events of the great tribulation and overlay them on Luke 21 tribulation and overlay them on Luke 21 tribulation and overlay them on Luke 21 and Matthew 24, you'll find that the and Matthew 24, you'll find that the and Matthew 24, you'll find that the events are in the order that are given.

events are in the order that are given. events are in the order that are given. So the idea is that let me give you a So the idea is that let me give you a So the idea is that let me give you a big picture. Here's kind of a prophetic big picture. Here's kind of a prophetic big picture. Here's kind of a prophetic timeline on the screen behind me. Can timeline on the screen behind me. Can timeline on the screen behind me. Can you all see that? Okay. So, here's my you all see that? Okay. So, here's my you all see that? Okay. So, here's my understanding of end times events, which understanding of end times events, which understanding of end times events, which is 100% accurate. Just so you know that. is 100% accurate. Just so you know that. is 100% accurate. Just so you know that. Of course, I do believe that and I know Of course, I do believe that and I know Of course, I do believe that and I know there's differing opinions and I respect there's differing opinions and I respect there's differing opinions and I respect the right to be wrong. No, seriously, the right to be wrong. No, seriously, the right to be wrong. No, seriously, this is how I see it. And uh the next this is how I see it. And uh the next this is how I see it. And uh the next event on the prophetic calendar is the event on the prophetic calendar is the event on the prophetic calendar is the rapture of the church. I'll talk about rapture of the church. I'll talk about rapture of the church. I'll talk about that in a moment where the Lord comes that in a moment where the Lord comes that in a moment where the Lord comes for us and we're caught up to meet the for us and we're caught up to meet the for us and we're caught up to meet the Lord in a moment in the twinkling of an Lord in a moment in the twinkling of an Lord in a moment in the twinkling of an eye. Then we come to the emergence of eye. Then we come to the emergence of eye. Then we come to the emergence of Antichrist who inaugurates a 7-year Antichrist who inaugurates a 7-year Antichrist who inaugurates a 7-year tribulation period. Then we have the tribulation period. Then we have the tribulation period. Then we have the 7-year period that I'll talk about more 7-year period that I'll talk about more 7-year period that I'll talk about more in a moment. Then we have the in a moment. Then we have the in a moment. Then we have the culmination culmination culmination of the tribulation period, the battle of of the tribulation period, the battle of of the tribulation period, the battle of Armageddon fought in the valley of Armageddon fought in the valley of Armageddon fought in the valley of Megiddo. So, it starts with the Megiddo. So, it starts with the Megiddo. So, it starts with the emergence of Antichrist. It ends with emergence of Antichrist. It ends with emergence of Antichrist. It ends with the second coming of Jesus Christ. Then the second coming of Jesus Christ. Then the second coming of Jesus Christ. Then we have what we call the millennium, the we have what we call the millennium, the we have what we call the millennium, the 1,000year reign of Christ. And finally, 1,000year reign of Christ. And finally, 1,000year reign of Christ. And finally, we have the new Jerusalem as a bride we have the new Jerusalem as a bride we have the new Jerusalem as a bride adorned for her husband coming down to adorned for her husband coming down to adorned for her husband coming down to our planet. So, that's sort of the big our planet. So, that's sort of the big our planet. So, that's sort of the big picture. But to launch things, to picture. But to launch things, to picture. But to launch things, to inaugurate things, we have antichrist.

inaugurate things, we have antichrist. inaugurate things, we have antichrist. Many will come in my name saying I am Many will come in my name saying I am Many will come in my name saying I am Christ. Christ. Christ. Now the prefix anti does not only me Now the prefix anti does not only me Now the prefix anti does not only me mean against it also means instead of. mean against it also means instead of. mean against it also means instead of. So we have a man who will emerge on the So we have a man who will emerge on the So we have a man who will emerge on the scene that offers himself as the scene that offers himself as the scene that offers himself as the Messiah. And some will even believe he's Messiah. And some will even believe he's Messiah. And some will even believe he's Messiah for this reason. He'll be a Messiah for this reason. He'll be a Messiah for this reason. He'll be a peacemaker. He'll come with a peace peacemaker. He'll come with a peace peacemaker. He'll come with a peace treaty that'll get the other nations of treaty that'll get the other nations of treaty that'll get the other nations of the earth to sign that will last for the earth to sign that will last for the earth to sign that will last for three and a half years. He'll be three and a half years. He'll be three and a half years. He'll be charismatic, magnetic, intelligent, charismatic, magnetic, intelligent, charismatic, magnetic, intelligent, probably handsome as well. Think the probably handsome as well. Think the probably handsome as well. Think the devil wears Prada. So devil wears Prada. So devil wears Prada. So he comes on the scene and he even helps he comes on the scene and he even helps he comes on the scene and he even helps the Jewish people rebuild their temple the Jewish people rebuild their temple the Jewish people rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. in Jerusalem. in Jerusalem. So, some will say he is the very So, some will say he is the very So, some will say he is the very Messiah, but as it turns out, he'll be Messiah, but as it turns out, he'll be Messiah, but as it turns out, he'll be revealed to be the most evil man who revealed to be the most evil man who revealed to be the most evil man who ever lived. The Bible says Satan gives ever lived. The Bible says Satan gives ever lived. The Bible says Satan gives him his power. He's he's satanically him his power. He's he's satanically him his power. He's he's satanically energized. So, instead of being the energized. So, instead of being the energized. So, instead of being the greatest peacemaker, in reality, he's greatest peacemaker, in reality, he's greatest peacemaker, in reality, he's the greatest troublemaker. But it'll the greatest troublemaker. But it'll the greatest troublemaker. But it'll take time for people to understand that.

take time for people to understand that. take time for people to understand that. Now, is the Antichrist alive today? I I Now, is the Antichrist alive today? I I Now, is the Antichrist alive today? I I don't know the answer to that, but don't know the answer to that, but don't know the answer to that, but clearly things are right for this dark clearly things are right for this dark clearly things are right for this dark night to rise to power. Uh he'll do what night to rise to power. Uh he'll do what night to rise to power. Uh he'll do what no other president, prime minister, no other president, prime minister, no other president, prime minister, king, queen, or world leader has ever king, queen, or world leader has ever king, queen, or world leader has ever done. He'll bring economic stability and done. He'll bring economic stability and done. He'll bring economic stability and world peace that will be short-lived. world peace that will be short-lived. world peace that will be short-lived. But Antichrist cannot be revealed until But Antichrist cannot be revealed until But Antichrist cannot be revealed until the church is raptured. Uh 2 the church is raptured. Uh 2 the church is raptured. Uh 2 Thessalonians 2:7 says, "The secret of Thessalonians 2:7 says, "The secret of Thessalonians 2:7 says, "The secret of lawlessness is already working. Only it lawlessness is already working. Only it lawlessness is already working. Only it cannot be revealed. Only he who now cannot be revealed. Only he who now cannot be revealed. Only he who now restrains is taken out of the way." Or restrains is taken out of the way." Or restrains is taken out of the way." Or another translation puts it, "Only he another translation puts it, "Only he another translation puts it, "Only he who now restrains disappears from the who now restrains disappears from the who now restrains disappears from the midst. Then the wicked one will be midst. Then the wicked one will be midst. Then the wicked one will be revealed whom the Lord will destroy with revealed whom the Lord will destroy with revealed whom the Lord will destroy with the brightness of his coming." So the the brightness of his coming." So the the brightness of his coming." So the restraining work in the world today is restraining work in the world today is restraining work in the world today is the Holy Spirit working through the the Holy Spirit working through the the Holy Spirit working through the church. That's you. That's me. We're the church. That's you. That's me. We're the church. That's you. That's me. We're the ones that speak up for what is true. We ones that speak up for what is true. We ones that speak up for what is true. We are the ones that speak out against what are the ones that speak out against what are the ones that speak out against what is wrong. We're a restraining force of is wrong. We're a restraining force of is wrong. We're a restraining force of evil. But once we're removed, Antichrist evil. But once we're removed, Antichrist evil. But once we're removed, Antichrist can have full reign. And in a technical can have full reign. And in a technical can have full reign. And in a technical sense, all hell can break loose. And so sense, all hell can break loose. And so sense, all hell can break loose. And so once we're removed, you could see how once we're removed, you could see how once we're removed, you could see how these things would go into fast forward these things would go into fast forward these things would go into fast forward and then the tribulation period begins.

and then the tribulation period begins. and then the tribulation period begins. Now some people say, well, but no, the Now some people say, well, but no, the Now some people say, well, but no, the Bible says we'll go through tribulation. Bible says we'll go through tribulation. Bible says we'll go through tribulation. Let's understand the difference between Let's understand the difference between Let's understand the difference between personal tribulation and the great personal tribulation and the great personal tribulation and the great tribulation. Okay, personal tribulation tribulation. Okay, personal tribulation tribulation. Okay, personal tribulation is something that will be experienced by is something that will be experienced by is something that will be experienced by every Christian. every Christian. every Christian. Jesus even said in this world you shall Jesus even said in this world you shall Jesus even said in this world you shall have tribulation but be of good cheer have tribulation but be of good cheer have tribulation but be of good cheer overcome the world rejoice when all overcome the world rejoice when all overcome the world rejoice when all kinds of trials come your way. The Bible kinds of trials come your way. The Bible kinds of trials come your way. The Bible speaks of this many times. So we will go speaks of this many times. So we will go speaks of this many times. So we will go through trials. We will go through through trials. We will go through through trials. We will go through personal tribulation. But there's a big personal tribulation. But there's a big personal tribulation. But there's a big difference between that and what we call difference between that and what we call difference between that and what we call the great tribulation period. A time the great tribulation period. A time the great tribulation period. A time lasting for seven years. We will not go lasting for seven years. We will not go lasting for seven years. We will not go through that. Speaking to the church of through that. Speaking to the church of through that. Speaking to the church of Philadelphia in the book of Revelation, Philadelphia in the book of Revelation, Philadelphia in the book of Revelation, Jesus says, "Because you've obeyed my Jesus says, "Because you've obeyed my Jesus says, "Because you've obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you command to persevere, I will protect you command to persevere, I will protect you from that great time of testing that from that great time of testing that from that great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test will come upon the whole world to test will come upon the whole world to test those that belong to this world." Next those that belong to this world." Next those that belong to this world." Next point, Israel and the Middle East play a point, Israel and the Middle East play a point, Israel and the Middle East play a key role in end times events. Israel and key role in end times events. Israel and key role in end times events. Israel and the Middle East play a key role in end the Middle East play a key role in end the Middle East play a key role in end times events. And that's why all Bible times events. And that's why all Bible times events. And that's why all Bible students are watching with wrapped students are watching with wrapped students are watching with wrapped attention of what is going on over there attention of what is going on over there attention of what is going on over there right now with this ongoing conflict and right now with this ongoing conflict and right now with this ongoing conflict and war with Iran. Uh with the tension war with Iran. Uh with the tension war with Iran. Uh with the tension between Iran and Israel, uh we're between Iran and Israel, uh we're between Iran and Israel, uh we're watching it with great concern. And in watching it with great concern. And in watching it with great concern. And in fact, in verse 20, Jesus says Luke 21,

fact, in verse 20, Jesus says Luke 21, fact, in verse 20, Jesus says Luke 21, you'll see Jerusalem surrounded by you'll see Jerusalem surrounded by you'll see Jerusalem surrounded by armies. You'll know that the time of its armies. You'll know that the time of its armies. You'll know that the time of its destruction has arrived. Let those who destruction has arrived. Let those who destruction has arrived. Let those who were in Judea flee into the hills and were in Judea flee into the hills and were in Judea flee into the hills and those in Jerusalem must get out and those in Jerusalem must get out and those in Jerusalem must get out and those out in the country should return those out in the country should return those out in the country should return to the city. Now understand these to the city. Now understand these to the city. Now understand these events, I'll get to this in a moment. events, I'll get to this in a moment. events, I'll get to this in a moment. This hasn't started yet. We're not in This hasn't started yet. We're not in This hasn't started yet. We're not in the great tribulation period. The verse the great tribulation period. The verse the great tribulation period. The verse I just read is not unfolding. But here's I just read is not unfolding. But here's I just read is not unfolding. But here's what we're seeing. We're seeing force what we're seeing. We're seeing force what we're seeing. We're seeing force shocks of it. We're seeing labor pains. shocks of it. We're seeing labor pains. shocks of it. We're seeing labor pains. Jesus described end times event events Jesus described end times event events Jesus described end times event events as a woman getting closer to having her as a woman getting closer to having her as a woman getting closer to having her baby. And you ladies know who've had baby. And you ladies know who've had baby. And you ladies know who've had children uh that the closer you get to children uh that the closer you get to children uh that the closer you get to the birth of the baby, the closer the the birth of the baby, the closer the the birth of the baby, the closer the labor pains are to each other. So we're labor pains are to each other. So we're labor pains are to each other. So we're seeing labor pains closer together. Let seeing labor pains closer together. Let seeing labor pains closer together. Let me put it another way. We're seeing me put it another way. We're seeing me put it another way. We're seeing signs of the times, things that are signs of the times, things that are signs of the times, things that are happening. He used to be in maybe every happening. He used to be in maybe every happening. He used to be in maybe every couple years something significant would couple years something significant would couple years something significant would happen or maybe every couple of months.

happen or maybe every couple of months. happen or maybe every couple of months. Nowadays it seems like every day there's Nowadays it seems like every day there's Nowadays it seems like every day there's something going on that alerts us to the something going on that alerts us to the something going on that alerts us to the fact that Jesus is coming. Right? So fact that Jesus is coming. Right? So fact that Jesus is coming. Right? So Jerusalem Jerusalem Jerusalem this amazing this is the most important this amazing this is the most important this amazing this is the most important city in all of the world. Not Washington city in all of the world. Not Washington city in all of the world. Not Washington DC, not Moscow, not Paris, not Berlin, DC, not Moscow, not Paris, not Berlin, DC, not Moscow, not Paris, not Berlin, not Norcco. Why do you laugh at that? That was not Why do you laugh at that? That was not meant as a joke. meant as a joke. meant as a joke. That's insulting to the people of Norcco That's insulting to the people of Norcco That's insulting to the people of Norcco that you laughed. I How dare you? No, that you laughed. I How dare you? No, that you laughed. I How dare you? No, I'm kidding. It was meant to elicit a I'm kidding. It was meant to elicit a I'm kidding. It was meant to elicit a chuckle. Uh, but it's Jerusalem. chuckle. Uh, but it's Jerusalem. chuckle. Uh, but it's Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city of the past, the Jerusalem, the city of the past, the Jerusalem, the city of the past, the present, and the future. It's a city of present, and the future. It's a city of present, and the future. It's a city of the past because so many of the the past because so many of the the past because so many of the significant biblical events happened significant biblical events happened significant biblical events happened there. That was of course the city of there. That was of course the city of there. That was of course the city of David. Always has been the capital of David. Always has been the capital of David. Always has been the capital of Israel. Our Lord went to Jerusalem. He Israel. Our Lord went to Jerusalem. He Israel. Our Lord went to Jerusalem. He preached there. He was crucified outside preached there. He was crucified outside preached there. He was crucified outside of the walls of Jerusalem. It's a city of the walls of Jerusalem. It's a city of the walls of Jerusalem. It's a city of the present. Uh reathered together.

of the present. Uh reathered together. of the present. Uh reathered together. Modern day miracle. I'll talk about that Modern day miracle. I'll talk about that Modern day miracle. I'll talk about that in a moment. And the city of the future. in a moment. And the city of the future. in a moment. And the city of the future. God has a plan for her in the future. God has a plan for her in the future. God has a plan for her in the future. But isn't it interesting that Jerusalem But isn't it interesting that Jerusalem But isn't it interesting that Jerusalem is specifically mentioned as the key to is specifically mentioned as the key to is specifically mentioned as the key to these things? When the Jewish people these things? When the Jewish people these things? When the Jewish people returned to their homeland on May 14th, returned to their homeland on May 14th, returned to their homeland on May 14th, 1948, 1948, 1948, it was a modern-day miracle and it set it was a modern-day miracle and it set it was a modern-day miracle and it set the prophetic clock ticking. Uh consider the prophetic clock ticking. Uh consider the prophetic clock ticking. Uh consider this. never as a nation been able to this. never as a nation been able to this. never as a nation been able to maintain its national identity even 3 to maintain its national identity even 3 to maintain its national identity even 3 to 500 years after being removed from its 500 years after being removed from its 500 years after being removed from its homeland until Israel. They came back to homeland until Israel. They came back to homeland until Israel. They came back to their land again, the land given to their land again, the land given to their land again, the land given to them. So the key to understanding Bible them. So the key to understanding Bible them. So the key to understanding Bible prophecy is to understanding Israel and prophecy is to understanding Israel and prophecy is to understanding Israel and specifically the Jewish people. God has specifically the Jewish people. God has specifically the Jewish people. God has made a promise to them. Revelation, made a promise to them. Revelation, made a promise to them. Revelation, excuse me, Genesis 12, God says, "I'll excuse me, Genesis 12, God says, "I'll excuse me, Genesis 12, God says, "I'll make you a great nation. and I'll bless make you a great nation. and I'll bless make you a great nation. and I'll bless those that bless you and I'll curse those that bless you and I'll curse those that bless you and I'll curse those that curse you. Listen, this book those that curse you. Listen, this book those that curse you. Listen, this book we studied together. This is a Jewish we studied together. This is a Jewish we studied together. This is a Jewish book primarily given to us through book primarily given to us through book primarily given to us through Jewish people. It's more than a Jewish Jewish people. It's more than a Jewish Jewish people. It's more than a Jewish history book, but it is that as well.

history book, but it is that as well. history book, but it is that as well. It's a book that God has given us to It's a book that God has given us to It's a book that God has given us to show us how to know him and addresses show us how to know him and addresses show us how to know him and addresses everything we're going to face in life. everything we're going to face in life. everything we're going to face in life. But we learn so much about his people, But we learn so much about his people, But we learn so much about his people, the chosen people, the Jewish people in the chosen people, the Jewish people in the chosen people, the Jewish people in this book. And he loves them and has a this book. And he loves them and has a this book. And he loves them and has a plan for them. And he has not cast them plan for them. And he has not cast them plan for them. And he has not cast them off. Some would say, "Oh, well, God's off. Some would say, "Oh, well, God's off. Some would say, "Oh, well, God's done with the Jews." And and now all of done with the Jews." And and now all of done with the Jews." And and now all of the promises given to Israel have been the promises given to Israel have been the promises given to Israel have been transferred over to the church. This is transferred over to the church. This is transferred over to the church. This is sometimes referred to as replacement sometimes referred to as replacement sometimes referred to as replacement theology. Nothing could be further from theology. Nothing could be further from theology. Nothing could be further from the truth. Romans 11 says, "Has God the truth. Romans 11 says, "Has God the truth. Romans 11 says, "Has God rejected and deserted his people, the rejected and deserted his people, the rejected and deserted his people, the Jews? Oh, not at all." Okay, next point. Jews? Oh, not at all." Okay, next point. Jews? Oh, not at all." Okay, next point. The primary events of the end times have The primary events of the end times have The primary events of the end times have not yet begun. But once the first event not yet begun. But once the first event not yet begun. But once the first event takes place, the rapture of the church, takes place, the rapture of the church, takes place, the rapture of the church, all the rest follow in short order. You all the rest follow in short order. You all the rest follow in short order. You could compare it to dominoes closely could compare it to dominoes closely could compare it to dominoes closely stacked together. You've seen it before.

stacked together. You've seen it before. stacked together. You've seen it before. the first domino falls and the next one the first domino falls and the next one the first domino falls and the next one falls and on they go. And so that's what falls and on they go. And so that's what falls and on they go. And so that's what these events are going to be like. So these events are going to be like. So these events are going to be like. So we're waiting for the next event to we're waiting for the next event to we're waiting for the next event to happen. So I know this is quite alarming happen. So I know this is quite alarming happen. So I know this is quite alarming and concerning and for some maybe even and concerning and for some maybe even and concerning and for some maybe even frightening. So Jesus addresses this. frightening. So Jesus addresses this. frightening. So Jesus addresses this. Look at verse 28. 28. So when you see Look at verse 28. 28. So when you see Look at verse 28. 28. So when you see these things begin to happen, stand and these things begin to happen, stand and these things begin to happen, stand and look up for your salvation is near. look up for your salvation is near. look up for your salvation is near. Know this. Governments change, wars Know this. Governments change, wars Know this. Governments change, wars erupt, threats increase, people panic. erupt, threats increase, people panic. erupt, threats increase, people panic. But Jesus says, "Look up." He doesn't But Jesus says, "Look up." He doesn't But Jesus says, "Look up." He doesn't say, "Freak out." Why should I not freak say, "Freak out." Why should I not freak say, "Freak out." Why should I not freak out? Because God is still sovereign and out? Because God is still sovereign and out? Because God is still sovereign and God is in control. Right? [applause] [applause] Nothing is catching God by surprise. Nothing is catching God by surprise. Nothing is catching God by surprise. History isn't spinning out of control. History isn't spinning out of control. History isn't spinning out of control. History is moving. exactly as God said History is moving. exactly as God said History is moving. exactly as God said it would because history is his story.

it would because history is his story. it would because history is his story. The great preacher CH Spurgeon put it The great preacher CH Spurgeon put it The great preacher CH Spurgeon put it this way and I quote, "The sovereignty this way and I quote, "The sovereignty this way and I quote, "The sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which a child of God is the pillow upon which a child of God is the pillow upon which a child of God rests his head at night, giving of God rests his head at night, giving of God rests his head at night, giving perfect peace." Does that make sense? perfect peace." Does that make sense? perfect peace." Does that make sense? The sovereignty of God. What is that? The sovereignty of God. What is that? The sovereignty of God. What is that? That means that God's in control. He's That means that God's in control. He's That means that God's in control. He's in control of everything that happens to in control of everything that happens to in control of everything that happens to your life in your life. So nothing your life in your life. So nothing your life in your life. So nothing surprises God because you might be surprises God because you might be surprises God because you might be facing something right now that makes no facing something right now that makes no facing something right now that makes no sense to you at all. Why is this sense to you at all. Why is this sense to you at all. Why is this happening? I can't give you the answer happening? I can't give you the answer happening? I can't give you the answer to that, of course, but I can tell you to that, of course, but I can tell you to that, of course, but I can tell you this. God is sovereign. God's in this. God is sovereign. God's in this. God is sovereign. God's in control. He either did it or he's control. He either did it or he's control. He either did it or he's allowed it for his ultimate purposes. So allowed it for his ultimate purposes. So allowed it for his ultimate purposes. So you can lay your head on the pillow at you can lay your head on the pillow at you can lay your head on the pillow at night knowing that he has all things in night knowing that he has all things in night knowing that he has all things in his control. He knows what's coming. his control. He knows what's coming. his control. He knows what's coming. When God predicts the future, it's not When God predicts the future, it's not When God predicts the future, it's not like he's taking some big risk because like he's taking some big risk because like he's taking some big risk because God sees the future as clearly as I see God sees the future as clearly as I see God sees the future as clearly as I see the past. Well, I might even say more the past. Well, I might even say more the past. Well, I might even say more accurately because I sometimes forget accurately because I sometimes forget accurately because I sometimes forget the past. I love it when I'm telling a the past. I love it when I'm telling a the past. I love it when I'm telling a story of something that happened to me story of something that happened to me story of something that happened to me and my wife says, "That's not the way it and my wife says, "That's not the way it and my wife says, "That's not the way it happened." And I'll say, "No, that's happened." And I'll say, "No, that's happened." And I'll say, "No, that's exactly how." No, no, you left out a exactly how." No, no, you left out a exactly how." No, no, you left out a couple of details. I said, "Excuse me, couple of details. I said, "Excuse me, couple of details. I said, "Excuse me, you weren't even there when it you weren't even there when it you weren't even there when it happened."

happened." happened." She says, "Yes, but I remember how you She says, "Yes, but I remember how you She says, "Yes, but I remember how you said told me about it the first time and said told me about it the first time and said told me about it the first time and you left out a couple of things and dog you left out a couple of things and dog you left out a couple of things and dog on it, she's right about that." So, so I on it, she's right about that." So, so I on it, she's right about that." So, so I forget the past, but God remembers the forget the past, but God remembers the forget the past, but God remembers the past with clarity. He knows the future past with clarity. He knows the future past with clarity. He knows the future with the same clarity. It it I remember with the same clarity. It it I remember with the same clarity. It it I remember a while ago I was watching the Super a while ago I was watching the Super a while ago I was watching the Super Bowl game and it was getting toward the Bowl game and it was getting toward the Bowl game and it was getting toward the end and [clears throat] I I had to uh end and [clears throat] I I had to uh end and [clears throat] I I had to uh stop for a moment. So, I hit pause and I stop for a moment. So, I hit pause and I stop for a moment. So, I hit pause and I went and did something. And then I got went and did something. And then I got went and did something. And then I got in a conversation and and then I checked in a conversation and and then I checked in a conversation and and then I checked my phone and I saw on X now formerly my phone and I saw on X now formerly my phone and I saw on X now formerly Twitter. I found out who won the game Twitter. I found out who won the game Twitter. I found out who won the game and how they won. That was shock. Well, and how they won. That was shock. Well, and how they won. That was shock. Well, then I went back and watched the rest of then I went back and watched the rest of then I went back and watched the rest of the game. But I saw it differently cuz I the game. But I saw it differently cuz I the game. But I saw it differently cuz I knew what was going to happen. You see, knew what was going to happen. You see, knew what was going to happen. You see, and that's how God looks at these and that's how God looks at these and that's how God looks at these things. He knows already. He's told us things. He knows already. He's told us things. He knows already. He's told us not to worry. This is how we should look not to worry. This is how we should look not to worry. This is how we should look at the world. We've read the last at the world. We've read the last at the world. We've read the last chapter. Jesus wins. Jesus wins. And we chapter. Jesus wins. Jesus wins. And we chapter. Jesus wins. Jesus wins. And we win too. [applause] As I said, Bible prophecy is not given As I said, Bible prophecy is not given to scare us, but to prepare us. It's to scare us, but to prepare us. It's to scare us, but to prepare us. It's given to make us evangelistic, not given to make us evangelistic, not given to make us evangelistic, not argumentative.

argumentative. argumentative. We shouldn't be focused on who is the We shouldn't be focused on who is the We shouldn't be focused on who is the antichrist. We should be preparing antichrist. We should be preparing antichrist. We should be preparing people for the return of Jesus Christ. people for the return of Jesus Christ. people for the return of Jesus Christ. That should be our focus. That should be our focus. That should be our focus. [applause] [applause] [applause] Now Jesus closes this with specific Now Jesus closes this with specific Now Jesus closes this with specific words to each of us in Luke 21:34. words to each of us in Luke 21:34. words to each of us in Luke 21:34. Now he's saying this is what you should Now he's saying this is what you should Now he's saying this is what you should be doing in light of what I've just told be doing in light of what I've just told be doing in light of what I've just told you. you. you. Watch out. Don't let your hearts be Watch out. Don't let your hearts be Watch out. Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness and dulled by carousing and drunkenness and dulled by carousing and drunkenness and by the worries of this life. Don't let by the worries of this life. Don't let by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware like a trap. that day catch you unaware like a trap. that day catch you unaware like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone For that day will come upon everyone For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. So keep alert at living on the earth. So keep alert at living on the earth. So keep alert at all times that your faith might be all times that your faith might be all times that your faith might be strong enough to escape the things strong enough to escape the things strong enough to escape the things coming when you stand before the son of coming when you stand before the son of coming when you stand before the son of man. So now he says, "Hey, be careful. man. So now he says, "Hey, be careful. man. So now he says, "Hey, be careful. Here's some things to be aware of. The Here's some things to be aware of. The Here's some things to be aware of. The danger, a spiritually dull heart. Watch danger, a spiritually dull heart. Watch danger, a spiritually dull heart. Watch out." He says, "Let not your hearts be out." He says, "Let not your hearts be out." He says, "Let not your hearts be dulled." Then Jesus identifies three dulled." Then Jesus identifies three dulled." Then Jesus identifies three things that can dull our hearts in things that can dull our hearts in things that can dull our hearts in spiritual alertness. One of them is spiritual alertness. One of them is spiritual alertness. One of them is carousing. The other one is drunkenness.

carousing. The other one is drunkenness. carousing. The other one is drunkenness. And the third one would be worry. And the third one would be worry. And the third one would be worry. Corousing and drunkenness. Two of them Corousing and drunkenness. Two of them Corousing and drunkenness. Two of them are about numbing out and one is about are about numbing out and one is about are about numbing out and one is about worrying too much. Notice that Jesus worrying too much. Notice that Jesus worrying too much. Notice that Jesus puts partying and panic in the same puts partying and panic in the same puts partying and panic in the same sentence. I know they sound like like sentence. I know they sound like like sentence. I know they sound like like opposites, but actually they're very opposites, but actually they're very opposites, but actually they're very similar in that they distract us. One is similar in that they distract us. One is similar in that they distract us. One is just partying away or numbing ourselves. just partying away or numbing ourselves. just partying away or numbing ourselves. Alcohol use or drug use and uh and all Alcohol use or drug use and uh and all Alcohol use or drug use and uh and all the problems it can bring into our the problems it can bring into our the problems it can bring into our lives. And then carousing is a word that lives. And then carousing is a word that lives. And then carousing is a word that actually can be translated excessive actually can be translated excessive actually can be translated excessive partying, indulgence, and pleasure partying, indulgence, and pleasure partying, indulgence, and pleasure sinking. It's the idea of eating and sinking. It's the idea of eating and sinking. It's the idea of eating and feasting and drinking and having the feasting and drinking and having the feasting and drinking and having the hangover. I remember this from many, hangover. I remember this from many, hangover. I remember this from many, many years ago when I was pretty young many years ago when I was pretty young many years ago when I was pretty young and I would go out and drink with and I would go out and drink with and I would go out and drink with friends at night and the way I felt in friends at night and the way I felt in friends at night and the way I felt in the morning, that horrible hung over the morning, that horrible hung over the morning, that horrible hung over feeling, right? I don't have that feeling, right? I don't have that feeling, right? I don't have that feeling anymore, of course, because I feeling anymore, of course, because I feeling anymore, of course, because I don't drink anymore. But I had a feeling don't drink anymore. But I had a feeling don't drink anymore. But I had a feeling similar to it after I went to the Orange similar to it after I went to the Orange similar to it after I went to the Orange County Fair just the other day. Uh because I don't just the other day. Uh because I don't know if it's uh required when you go to know if it's uh required when you go to know if it's uh required when you go to the fair, but you must eat the worst the fair, but you must eat the worst the fair, but you must eat the worst foods. But is there any healthy food in foods. But is there any healthy food in foods. But is there any healthy food in any fair? It seems like every, you know, any fair? It seems like every, you know, any fair? It seems like every, you know, you can't just get a little chicken leg, you can't just get a little chicken leg, you can't just get a little chicken leg, you get a turkey leg, right? Every And

you get a turkey leg, right? Every And you get a turkey leg, right? Every And of course, everything is deep fried. of course, everything is deep fried. of course, everything is deep fried. Deep fried Twinkies, deep fried Deep fried Twinkies, deep fried Deep fried Twinkies, deep fried Snickers, deep fried oimpic. Everything Snickers, deep fried oimpic. Everything Snickers, deep fried oimpic. Everything is deep fried. They'll deep fry it somehow. They'll deep fry it somehow. So, I ate a cinnamon pretzel, which was So, I ate a cinnamon pretzel, which was So, I ate a cinnamon pretzel, which was gigantic. gigantic. gigantic. And when I finally was done, I had sugar And when I finally was done, I had sugar And when I finally was done, I had sugar and cinnamon all over my shirt. And then and cinnamon all over my shirt. And then and cinnamon all over my shirt. And then I thought, what better way to top it off I thought, what better way to top it off I thought, what better way to top it off than with a corn dog because I wanted to than with a corn dog because I wanted to than with a corn dog because I wanted to do an experiment. I wanted to compare do an experiment. I wanted to compare do an experiment. I wanted to compare the Orange County Fair corn dog to the the Orange County Fair corn dog to the the Orange County Fair corn dog to the Disneyland corn dog because I'm kind of Disneyland corn dog because I'm kind of Disneyland corn dog because I'm kind of a fan of the Disney corn dog, I have to a fan of the Disney corn dog, I have to a fan of the Disney corn dog, I have to say. And so I I tried it and it was say. And so I I tried it and it was say. And so I I tried it and it was okay. But I have to say the Disney corn okay. But I have to say the Disney corn okay. But I have to say the Disney corn dog wins. All right. Just costs more, dog wins. All right. Just costs more, dog wins. All right. Just costs more, too. But it does win in this case. But too. But it does win in this case. But too. But it does win in this case. But you know afterwards you have that dull you know afterwards you have that dull you know afterwards you have that dull icky feeling you know and if you go on a icky feeling you know and if you go on a icky feeling you know and if you go on a few rides you know and that only adds to few rides you know and that only adds to few rides you know and that only adds to it but we don't want that dullness in it but we don't want that dullness in it but we don't want that dullness in our life that dulls us to spiritual our life that dulls us to spiritual our life that dulls us to spiritual things. Of course drinking drug use can things. Of course drinking drug use can things. Of course drinking drug use can certainly contribute to that and make certainly contribute to that and make certainly contribute to that and make create whole new problems for you. But create whole new problems for you. But create whole new problems for you. But then there's the worry. The things that then there's the worry. The things that then there's the worry. The things that we're worrying about all the time. You we're worrying about all the time. You we're worrying about all the time. You know maybe I don't party. I don't drink.

know maybe I don't party. I don't drink. know maybe I don't party. I don't drink. I don't use drugs. Thank God you don't I don't use drugs. Thank God you don't I don't use drugs. Thank God you don't do that. But then you're just obsessed do that. But then you're just obsessed do that. But then you're just obsessed with this life and not even with bad with this life and not even with bad with this life and not even with bad things, just with things, you know, the things, just with things, you know, the things, just with things, you know, the worries and cares of this life. And worries and cares of this life. And worries and cares of this life. And you're so busy focused on this life, you you're so busy focused on this life, you you're so busy focused on this life, you never think about the afterlife. never think about the afterlife. never think about the afterlife. And it's important that we remember that And it's important that we remember that And it's important that we remember that our time on earth is short. our time on earth is short. our time on earth is short. Live every day as though it were your Live every day as though it were your Live every day as though it were your last day because one day it will be. So last day because one day it will be. So last day because one day it will be. So live every day for the glory of God in a live every day for the glory of God in a live every day for the glory of God in a state of readiness. So if Christ were to state of readiness. So if Christ were to state of readiness. So if Christ were to return in that day or this day or return in that day or this day or return in that day or this day or tomorrow, we would be ready. So what is tomorrow, we would be ready. So what is tomorrow, we would be ready. So what is the solution to spiritual dullness? the solution to spiritual dullness? the solution to spiritual dullness? Jesus says, "Watch and pray. Watch and Jesus says, "Watch and pray. Watch and Jesus says, "Watch and pray. Watch and pray." You know, a lot of people spend a pray." You know, a lot of people spend a pray." You know, a lot of people spend a fortune on prepping for a physical fortune on prepping for a physical fortune on prepping for a physical apocalypse. apocalypse. apocalypse. They have bunkers and generators and They have bunkers and generators and They have bunkers and generators and freeze-dried foods, you know. But Jesus freeze-dried foods, you know. But Jesus freeze-dried foods, you know. But Jesus did not say hunker down. He said watch did not say hunker down. He said watch did not say hunker down. He said watch and pray. It's not a survivalist and pray. It's not a survivalist and pray. It's not a survivalist mentality. It's an evangelistic mentality. It's an evangelistic mentality. It's an evangelistic mentality. Like what can I do to mentality. Like what can I do to mentality. Like what can I do to influence as many people as possible influence as many people as possible influence as many people as possible before the Lord comes back again? So before the Lord comes back again? So before the Lord comes back again? So it's watch and pray. You may, you know, it's watch and pray. You may, you know, it's watch and pray. You may, you know, I could be watching without praying and I could be watching without praying and I could be watching without praying and that just turns into anxiety. Oh, I look that just turns into anxiety. Oh, I look that just turns into anxiety. Oh, I look at what's going on in the world around at what's going on in the world around at what's going on in the world around me and oh, it freaks me out. No, it's me and oh, it freaks me out. No, it's me and oh, it freaks me out. No, it's watch and pray, but I could pray without watch and pray, but I could pray without watch and pray, but I could pray without watching, which makes me live in a state

watching, which makes me live in a state watching, which makes me live in a state of denial. Act as though nothing is of denial. Act as though nothing is of denial. Act as though nothing is going on. Jesus links them together. And going on. Jesus links them together. And going on. Jesus links them together. And then he says, don't let that day catch then he says, don't let that day catch then he says, don't let that day catch you unaware. That means be continually you unaware. That means be continually you unaware. That means be continually expectant. In Revelation 22:20, Jesus expectant. In Revelation 22:20, Jesus expectant. In Revelation 22:20, Jesus says, surely I come quickly. And John says, surely I come quickly. And John says, surely I come quickly. And John overwhelmed with this says in response, overwhelmed with this says in response, overwhelmed with this says in response, "Even so come Lord Jesus come." We just "Even so come Lord Jesus come." We just "Even so come Lord Jesus come." We just sang that, didn't we? Even so come Lord sang that, didn't we? Even so come Lord sang that, didn't we? Even so come Lord Jesus come. So he starts with amen. Jesus come. So he starts with amen. Jesus come. So he starts with amen. Amen. So be it. Another way to translate Amen. So be it. Another way to translate Amen. So be it. Another way to translate amen is let it be. As St. Paul said, let amen is let it be. As St. Paul said, let amen is let it be. As St. Paul said, let it be. Paul McCartney. Never mind. Like, it be. Paul McCartney. Never mind. Like, it be. Paul McCartney. Never mind. Like, but all of my cultural references have but all of my cultural references have but all of my cultural references have been falling flat lately. I don't know been falling flat lately. I don't know been falling flat lately. I don't know what's happening. what's happening. what's happening. You got to be alert. You got to be You got to be alert. You got to be You got to be alert. You got to be aware. Sort of like when I ride my aware. Sort of like when I ride my aware. Sort of like when I ride my motorcycle. You got to be switched on. motorcycle. You got to be switched on. motorcycle. You got to be switched on. And I'll tell you why. If any of you And I'll tell you why. If any of you And I'll tell you why. If any of you ride bikes, you know what I'm talking ride bikes, you know what I'm talking ride bikes, you know what I'm talking about. You have to be prepared for about. You have to be prepared for about. You have to be prepared for people doing the most ridiculous things people doing the most ridiculous things people doing the most ridiculous things because they don't see you. They don't because they don't see you. They don't because they don't see you. They don't hear you. That's why I like loud pipes hear you. That's why I like loud pipes hear you. That's why I like loud pipes on my bike. I know it makes people mad.

on my bike. I know it makes people mad. on my bike. I know it makes people mad. I don't have obnoxiously loud pipes, but I don't have obnoxiously loud pipes, but I don't have obnoxiously loud pipes, but you do hear me when I'm around because you do hear me when I'm around because you do hear me when I'm around because some bikes make no sound at all. Because some bikes make no sound at all. Because some bikes make no sound at all. Because as you're going down the road, you think as you're going down the road, you think as you're going down the road, you think that guy might just pull right in front that guy might just pull right in front that guy might just pull right in front of me or that person might just throw of me or that person might just throw of me or that person might just throw their brakes on. So, you're in a their brakes on. So, you're in a their brakes on. So, you're in a constant state of readiness. You've got constant state of readiness. You've got constant state of readiness. You've got your hand, you got your foot lightly on your hand, you got your foot lightly on your hand, you got your foot lightly on the brake. You've got your fingers on the brake. You've got your fingers on the brake. You've got your fingers on your handbrake just in case. You don't your handbrake just in case. You don't your handbrake just in case. You don't want to hit it too hard. You don't want want to hit it too hard. You don't want want to hit it too hard. You don't want to fall off your bike, but you're in a to fall off your bike, but you're in a to fall off your bike, but you're in a state of readiness. Very different from state of readiness. Very different from state of readiness. Very different from the state I'm in when I drive my car. the state I'm in when I drive my car. the state I'm in when I drive my car. And now we have self-driving cars. So, And now we have self-driving cars. So, And now we have self-driving cars. So, you can go to you can go to sleep. I've you can go to you can go to sleep. I've you can go to you can go to sleep. I've seen stories in the news about people seen stories in the news about people seen stories in the news about people that just program their home in and go that just program their home in and go that just program their home in and go to sleep, let their car drive them. to sleep, let their car drive them. to sleep, let their car drive them. Well, you know, so you want to be alert Well, you know, so you want to be alert Well, you know, so you want to be alert and aware. That's the idea that is being and aware. That's the idea that is being and aware. That's the idea that is being communicated here. Be alert and aware. communicated here. Be alert and aware. communicated here. Be alert and aware. Watch and pray. Okay. Pray. Pray about Watch and pray. Okay. Pray. Pray about Watch and pray. Okay. Pray. Pray about what? What should I pray as I await the what? What should I pray as I await the what? What should I pray as I await the return of Jesus Christ? Well, I should return of Jesus Christ? Well, I should return of Jesus Christ? Well, I should pray, Lord, keep me spiritually alert pray, Lord, keep me spiritually alert pray, Lord, keep me spiritually alert and awake. keep me spiritually alert and and awake. keep me spiritually alert and and awake. keep me spiritually alert and awake. Romans 13 says, "Knowing the awake. Romans 13 says, "Knowing the awake. Romans 13 says, "Knowing the critical strategic period of time, it is critical strategic period of time, it is critical strategic period of time, it is time for you to wake up out of your time for you to wake up out of your time for you to wake up out of your sleep and cast off the works of darkness sleep and cast off the works of darkness sleep and cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light." Like, and put on the armor of light." Like, and put on the armor of light." Like, wake up, man. Be alert. Pray that you wake up, man. Be alert. Pray that you wake up, man. Be alert. Pray that you are spiritually alert. Another thing you are spiritually alert. Another thing you are spiritually alert. Another thing you could pray is, "Lord, help me to live a

could pray is, "Lord, help me to live a could pray is, "Lord, help me to live a godly life." That's how Bible prophecy godly life." That's how Bible prophecy godly life." That's how Bible prophecy should impact us. Second Peter 3:11 should impact us. Second Peter 3:11 should impact us. Second Peter 3:11 says, "What kind of person should you be says, "What kind of person should you be says, "What kind of person should you be in holy conduct and godliness as you in holy conduct and godliness as you in holy conduct and godliness as you await the Lord's return?" 1 John 3 says, await the Lord's return?" 1 John 3 says, await the Lord's return?" 1 John 3 says, "He that has this hope and is a hope of "He that has this hope and is a hope of "He that has this hope and is a hope of the Lord's return purifies himself." the Lord's return purifies himself." the Lord's return purifies himself." So if I understand these truths of the So if I understand these truths of the So if I understand these truths of the imminent return of Christ as I should, imminent return of Christ as I should, imminent return of Christ as I should, it should impact me in the way that I it should impact me in the way that I it should impact me in the way that I live. And if it isn't impacting me in live. And if it isn't impacting me in live. And if it isn't impacting me in the way that I live, how well do I the way that I live, how well do I the way that I live, how well do I understand them? I think I'm missing the understand them? I think I'm missing the understand them? I think I'm missing the point. Heard the story of an old farmer, point. Heard the story of an old farmer, point. Heard the story of an old farmer, what an amazing dog. His dog walked on what an amazing dog. His dog walked on what an amazing dog. His dog walked on water really. And so he had a neighbor water really. And so he had a neighbor water really. And so he had a neighbor named Clem who wasn't impressed by named Clem who wasn't impressed by named Clem who wasn't impressed by anything. You know, people like that, anything. You know, people like that, anything. You know, people like that, nothing you say impresses them. So he nothing you say impresses them. So he nothing you say impresses them. So he wanted to impress Clem. So he said, wanted to impress Clem. So he said, wanted to impress Clem. So he said, "Cam, let's go duck hunting tomorrow." "Cam, let's go duck hunting tomorrow." "Cam, let's go duck hunting tomorrow." And they went out there and this farmer And they went out there and this farmer And they went out there and this farmer fired off a shot and a duck landed in fired off a shot and a duck landed in fired off a shot and a duck landed in the middle of the lake. And sure enough, the middle of the lake. And sure enough, the middle of the lake. And sure enough, his dog ran across the top of the water, his dog ran across the top of the water, his dog ran across the top of the water, grabbed that duck, retrieved it, brought grabbed that duck, retrieved it, brought grabbed that duck, retrieved it, brought it back, dropped it at his feet, and he it back, dropped it at his feet, and he it back, dropped it at his feet, and he shot another duck. Once again, his dog shot another duck. Once again, his dog shot another duck. Once again, his dog walks on the water, gets the duck, walks on the water, gets the duck, walks on the water, gets the duck, brings it back, drops it at his feet.

brings it back, drops it at his feet. brings it back, drops it at his feet. The farmer turns to his buddy Clem and The farmer turns to his buddy Clem and The farmer turns to his buddy Clem and says, "What do you think about that, says, "What do you think about that, says, "What do you think about that, Clem?" Clem kind of kicks the dirt and Clem?" Clem kind of kicks the dirt and Clem?" Clem kind of kicks the dirt and says, "I don't think your dog knows how says, "I don't think your dog knows how says, "I don't think your dog knows how to swim. That's all a lot of people are when it That's all a lot of people are when it comes to this topic. They just miss the comes to this topic. They just miss the comes to this topic. They just miss the point. point. point. If we really get this, it should cause If we really get this, it should cause If we really get this, it should cause us to live godly lives. Another thing I us to live godly lives. Another thing I us to live godly lives. Another thing I should pray is, Lord, give me should pray is, Lord, give me should pray is, Lord, give me opportunities to share the gospel. Jesus opportunities to share the gospel. Jesus opportunities to share the gospel. Jesus said, "The fields are white to harvest. said, "The fields are white to harvest. said, "The fields are white to harvest. Pray to the Lord of the harvest. they Pray to the Lord of the harvest. they Pray to the Lord of the harvest. they would send forth laborers into the would send forth laborers into the would send forth laborers into the harvest. So, wow, everywhere I look, I harvest. So, wow, everywhere I look, I harvest. So, wow, everywhere I look, I see opportunities to talk about my see opportunities to talk about my see opportunities to talk about my faith. So, I pray, Lord, send laborers faith. So, I pray, Lord, send laborers faith. So, I pray, Lord, send laborers into the harvest. But before you pray into the harvest. But before you pray into the harvest. But before you pray that, make sure you pray, Lord, send me that, make sure you pray, Lord, send me that, make sure you pray, Lord, send me into the harvest. into the harvest. into the harvest. You know, people say, I want to be used You know, people say, I want to be used You know, people say, I want to be used by God. I want to be a missionary. I by God. I want to be a missionary. I by God. I want to be a missionary. I want to cross the sea for Christ. Hm.

want to cross the sea for Christ. Hm. want to cross the sea for Christ. Hm. Why don't you start by crossing the Why don't you start by crossing the Why don't you start by crossing the street for Christ and talking to your street for Christ and talking to your street for Christ and talking to your neighbor? You have evangelistic opportunities. And You have evangelistic opportunities. And if you think you don't, you're just not if you think you don't, you're just not if you think you don't, you're just not paying attention. They're all around paying attention. They're all around paying attention. They're all around you. So pray, Lord, give me more you. So pray, Lord, give me more you. So pray, Lord, give me more opportunities to share the gospel. opportunities to share the gospel. opportunities to share the gospel. Here's something interesting. There are Here's something interesting. There are Here's something interesting. There are some things you can only do in heaven, some things you can only do in heaven, some things you can only do in heaven, and there are some things you can only and there are some things you can only and there are some things you can only do on earth. do on earth. do on earth. Only in heaven can I worship without Only in heaven can I worship without Only in heaven can I worship without sin. Only in heaven will I be reunited sin. Only in heaven will I be reunited sin. Only in heaven will I be reunited with loved ones who have preceded me. with loved ones who have preceded me. with loved ones who have preceded me. Only in heaven can I receive my eternal Only in heaven can I receive my eternal Only in heaven can I receive my eternal reward. Only in heaven will I see fa reward. Only in heaven will I see fa reward. Only in heaven will I see fa Jesus face to face. But only on earth Jesus face to face. But only on earth Jesus face to face. But only on earth there are certain things I can do. Or I there are certain things I can do. Or I there are certain things I can do. Or I should say there's certain things I can should say there's certain things I can should say there's certain things I can only do on earth. Only on earth can I only do on earth. Only on earth can I only do on earth. Only on earth can I share the gospel with someone. There's share the gospel with someone. There's share the gospel with someone. There's no evangelism in heaven. No need to no evangelism in heaven. No need to no evangelism in heaven. No need to share your faith in heaven because share your faith in heaven because share your faith in heaven because everyone already believes. So we need to everyone already believes. So we need to everyone already believes. So we need to do our evangelizing now. Only on earth do our evangelizing now. Only on earth do our evangelizing now. Only on earth can I store up treasures in heaven. You can I store up treasures in heaven. You can I store up treasures in heaven. You see, I can't write a check uh to support see, I can't write a check uh to support see, I can't write a check uh to support the work of the kingdom of God in the work of the kingdom of God in the work of the kingdom of God in heaven. There's no Apple Pay in heaven.

heaven. There's no Apple Pay in heaven. heaven. There's no Apple Pay in heaven. Okay? No Venmo in heaven. So do your Okay? No Venmo in heaven. So do your Okay? No Venmo in heaven. So do your giving while you're living. Then you're giving while you're living. Then you're giving while you're living. Then you're knowing where it's going, right? Do it knowing where it's going, right? Do it knowing where it's going, right? Do it now. And when I invest my finances in the And when I invest my finances in the work of the kingdom of God, I actually work of the kingdom of God, I actually work of the kingdom of God, I actually lay up for myself treasures in heaven lay up for myself treasures in heaven lay up for myself treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust can corrupt where neither moth nor rust can corrupt where neither moth nor rust can corrupt nor thieves can break in and steal. Then nor thieves can break in and steal. Then nor thieves can break in and steal. Then Jesus adds this, "And where your Jesus adds this, "And where your Jesus adds this, "And where your treasure is, there will your heart be treasure is, there will your heart be treasure is, there will your heart be also. Only on earth can I suffer and also. Only on earth can I suffer and also. Only on earth can I suffer and endure trials and draw closer to God. endure trials and draw closer to God. endure trials and draw closer to God. Only on earth can I suffer and endure Only on earth can I suffer and endure Only on earth can I suffer and endure trials and draw closer to God. You might trials and draw closer to God. You might trials and draw closer to God. You might say, "Well, I think I'll pass on that." say, "Well, I think I'll pass on that." say, "Well, I think I'll pass on that." Hold on now, buckaroo. Hold on now, buckaroo. Hold on now, buckaroo. There are some great things that happen There are some great things that happen There are some great things that happen when we come through times of testing. when we come through times of testing. when we come through times of testing. Uh, Uh, Uh, you know, the Apostle Paul talked about you know, the Apostle Paul talked about you know, the Apostle Paul talked about a thorn in the flesh, a thorn in the flesh, a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan sent to buffet him.

a messenger of Satan sent to buffet him. a messenger of Satan sent to buffet him. He said, to punch him, to hit him. What He said, to punch him, to hit him. What He said, to punch him, to hit him. What does this even mean? What was this thorn does this even mean? What was this thorn does this even mean? What was this thorn in the flesh? No one knows. It's in the flesh? No one knows. It's in the flesh? No one knows. It's interesting. Paul could have identified interesting. Paul could have identified interesting. Paul could have identified it. He had a lot of thorns in the flesh. it. He had a lot of thorns in the flesh. it. He had a lot of thorns in the flesh. He had people always criticizing him, He had people always criticizing him, He had people always criticizing him, telling lies about him. Maybe that was telling lies about him. Maybe that was telling lies about him. Maybe that was his thorn in the flesh. He had maybe a his thorn in the flesh. He had maybe a his thorn in the flesh. He had maybe a physical uh problem. I mean, after all, physical uh problem. I mean, after all, physical uh problem. I mean, after all, this guy's been shipwrecked. He's been this guy's been shipwrecked. He's been this guy's been shipwrecked. He's been beaten with rods. He He's faced all beaten with rods. He He's faced all beaten with rods. He He's faced all kinds of physical persecution. Some kinds of physical persecution. Some kinds of physical persecution. Some might have even think it might have been might have even think it might have been might have even think it might have been his eyesight, but maybe that was his his eyesight, but maybe that was his his eyesight, but maybe that was his thorn in the flesh. A lot of things thorn in the flesh. A lot of things thorn in the flesh. A lot of things could be listed, but he didn't tell us could be listed, but he didn't tell us could be listed, but he didn't tell us what it is. But there was some kind of what it is. But there was some kind of what it is. But there was some kind of an affliction, some kind of a problem an affliction, some kind of a problem an affliction, some kind of a problem that continued to bother the great that continued to bother the great that continued to bother the great Apostle Paul. And three times he prayed, Apostle Paul. And three times he prayed, Apostle Paul. And three times he prayed, "Lord, take it away." And by the way, "Lord, take it away." And by the way, "Lord, take it away." And by the way, there's nothing wrong with asking the there's nothing wrong with asking the there's nothing wrong with asking the Lord to take away your problem. And Lord to take away your problem. And Lord to take away your problem. And sometimes they'll say, "Okay." sometimes they'll say, "Okay." sometimes they'll say, "Okay." And other times they'll say what he said And other times they'll say what he said And other times they'll say what he said to Paul. "And the Lord said to me," Paul to Paul. "And the Lord said to me," Paul to Paul. "And the Lord said to me," Paul says, "my grace is sufficient for you."

says, "my grace is sufficient for you." says, "my grace is sufficient for you." Then Paul concludes with these words, Then Paul concludes with these words, Then Paul concludes with these words, "Therefore, I boast about my weakness so "Therefore, I boast about my weakness so "Therefore, I boast about my weakness so the power of Christ may rest upon me." the power of Christ may rest upon me." the power of Christ may rest upon me." God allows hardship in our life many God allows hardship in our life many God allows hardship in our life many times so he can come through for you. times so he can come through for you. times so he can come through for you. Because when everything is going well, Because when everything is going well, Because when everything is going well, when all the lights are green and the when all the lights are green and the when all the lights are green and the skies are blue and the bills are paid skies are blue and the bills are paid skies are blue and the bills are paid and there's not a single acre pain in and there's not a single acre pain in and there's not a single acre pain in your body, you know what can happen? You your body, you know what can happen? You your body, you know what can happen? You can grow complacent and you can forget can grow complacent and you can forget can grow complacent and you can forget God. Oh, don't tell me you can't because God. Oh, don't tell me you can't because God. Oh, don't tell me you can't because we all know what it's like. We just, we all know what it's like. We just, we all know what it's like. We just, hey, everything's good. I don't need to hey, everything's good. I don't need to hey, everything's good. I don't need to be praying. Maybe we'll skip church this be praying. Maybe we'll skip church this be praying. Maybe we'll skip church this Sunday, too. Oh, but when affliction Sunday, too. Oh, but when affliction Sunday, too. Oh, but when affliction comes, when hardship comes, let's go to comes, when hardship comes, let's go to comes, when hardship comes, let's go to church. That's okay. I'm glad you're church. That's okay. I'm glad you're church. That's okay. I'm glad you're here. If if that brought you here today, here. If if that brought you here today, here. If if that brought you here today, some kind of problem affliction or let's some kind of problem affliction or let's some kind of problem affliction or let's get people to pray. That's okay, too, get people to pray. That's okay, too, get people to pray. That's okay, too, because it's got you praying more. It's because it's got you praying more. It's because it's got you praying more. It's like the psalmist said, "Before I was like the psalmist said, "Before I was like the psalmist said, "Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I have afflicted, I went astray, but now I have afflicted, I went astray, but now I have kept your word." I think about a young kept your word." I think about a young kept your word." I think about a young man that I uh met uh a while ago, 16 man that I uh met uh a while ago, 16 man that I uh met uh a while ago, 16 years old. His name is Canon. Canon was years old. His name is Canon. Canon was years old. His name is Canon. Canon was living a great life, everything going living a great life, everything going living a great life, everything going beautifully. Then he found out he had beautifully. Then he found out he had beautifully. Then he found out he had stage four liver cancer. In other words, stage four liver cancer. In other words, stage four liver cancer. In other words, it was very likely that Canon would die.

it was very likely that Canon would die. it was very likely that Canon would die. And uh so we heard about what he was And uh so we heard about what he was And uh so we heard about what he was facing and we asked him to come to facing and we asked him to come to facing and we asked him to come to church and we prayed for him in the church and we prayed for him in the church and we prayed for him in the service. Here's a photograph of us service. Here's a photograph of us service. Here's a photograph of us praying for him at Harvest Orange praying for him at Harvest Orange praying for him at Harvest Orange County. Here's a closer shot. Well, I County. Here's a closer shot. Well, I County. Here's a closer shot. Well, I don't have a current photo of Ken, and I don't have a current photo of Ken, and I don't have a current photo of Ken, and I wish I did because God heard our prayer wish I did because God heard our prayer wish I did because God heard our prayer and touched and healed this young man. and touched and healed this young man. and touched and healed this young man. [applause] And just yesterday down in Huntington And just yesterday down in Huntington Beach, they did an outreach with a bunch Beach, they did an outreach with a bunch Beach, they did an outreach with a bunch of young people. And Canon got up and of young people. And Canon got up and of young people. And Canon got up and gave his testimony. And I love what he gave his testimony. And I love what he gave his testimony. And I love what he said. He said, "I was 16 years old when said. He said, "I was 16 years old when said. He said, "I was 16 years old when I found out I had stage 4 liver cancer, I found out I had stage 4 liver cancer, I found out I had stage 4 liver cancer, and it's one of the best things that and it's one of the best things that and it's one of the best things that ever happened to me because it brought ever happened to me because it brought ever happened to me because it brought me to Jesus." me to Jesus." me to Jesus." You see, [applause] there's nothing more important than there's nothing more important than being brought to Jesus. And there's being brought to Jesus. And there's being brought to Jesus. And there's nothing more important than staying nothing more important than staying nothing more important than staying close to Jesus. You see? So we think, close to Jesus. You see? So we think, close to Jesus. You see? So we think, no, no, the blessed life is a life where no, no, the blessed life is a life where no, no, the blessed life is a life where there's no conflict, there's no there's no conflict, there's no there's no conflict, there's no difficulty, everything's great. Well, difficulty, everything's great. Well, difficulty, everything's great. Well, that can be a blessed life. And if that can be a blessed life. And if that can be a blessed life. And if you're living that way right now, you're living that way right now, you're living that way right now, hallelujah, enjoy it, cuz it won't last hallelujah, enjoy it, cuz it won't last hallelujah, enjoy it, cuz it won't last that long. But something will come, that long. But something will come, that long. But something will come, something will happen that will cause something will happen that will cause something will happen that will cause you to once again be dependent on God you to once again be dependent on God you to once again be dependent on God and to call upon his name. And God will

and to call upon his name. And God will and to call upon his name. And God will be glorified through your problem, be glorified through your problem, be glorified through your problem, through your illness, through your through your illness, through your through your illness, through your disability, and you can use it as a tool disability, and you can use it as a tool disability, and you can use it as a tool to help others who are also suffering. to help others who are also suffering. to help others who are also suffering. So yes, when we get to heaven, we won't So yes, when we get to heaven, we won't So yes, when we get to heaven, we won't suffer anymore, but there are certain suffer anymore, but there are certain suffer anymore, but there are certain blessings that come with that suffering. blessings that come with that suffering. blessings that come with that suffering. Now, let me just close Now, let me just close Now, let me just close with some of the rewards that are going with some of the rewards that are going with some of the rewards that are going to be given to us in heaven. Because the to be given to us in heaven. Because the to be given to us in heaven. Because the Bible does tell us that there are Bible does tell us that there are Bible does tell us that there are rewards given for faithful service. 1 rewards given for faithful service. 1 rewards given for faithful service. 1 Corinthians 3:8, "Each one of us will Corinthians 3:8, "Each one of us will Corinthians 3:8, "Each one of us will receive his own reward according to his receive his own reward according to his receive his own reward according to his own labor." You don't earn your way into own labor." You don't earn your way into own labor." You don't earn your way into heaven, but once you're on your way to heaven, but once you're on your way to heaven, but once you're on your way to heaven, the Bible says that you should heaven, the Bible says that you should heaven, the Bible says that you should live in such a way that God will reward live in such a way that God will reward live in such a way that God will reward you when you get there. you when you get there. you when you get there. So the reason I'm going to heaven is So the reason I'm going to heaven is So the reason I'm going to heaven is because I believed in Jesus and because I believed in Jesus and because I believed in Jesus and was a recipient of his grace and mercy was a recipient of his grace and mercy was a recipient of his grace and mercy and he forgave me. But now with the life and he forgave me. But now with the life and he forgave me. But now with the life that I have here on earth, I want to do that I have here on earth, I want to do that I have here on earth, I want to do things for God's glory. So I'll have things for God's glory. So I'll have things for God's glory. So I'll have some rewards waiting in heaven. There some rewards waiting in heaven. There some rewards waiting in heaven. There are specific crowns identified in the are specific crowns identified in the are specific crowns identified in the Bible that God will give for faithful Bible that God will give for faithful Bible that God will give for faithful service. For instance, there's the service. For instance, there's the service. For instance, there's the imperishable crown. the imperishable imperishable crown. the imperishable imperishable crown. the imperishable crown that's given for self-control and crown that's given for self-control and crown that's given for self-control and discipline living. Paul compares himself discipline living. Paul compares himself discipline living. Paul compares himself to an athlete training for a race. And to an athlete training for a race. And to an athlete training for a race. And he says, "They do it to obtain a he says, "They do it to obtain a he says, "They do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we do it for an

perishable crown, but we do it for an perishable crown, but we do it for an imperishable crown." I don't think I imperishable crown." I don't think I imperishable crown." I don't think I ever won a single award, trophy, not ever won a single award, trophy, not ever won a single award, trophy, not even a ribbon for athletic endeavors. even a ribbon for athletic endeavors. even a ribbon for athletic endeavors. And I competed. I tried, just never won And I competed. I tried, just never won And I competed. I tried, just never won anything. I have a friend. It has so anything. I have a friend. It has so anything. I have a friend. It has so many ribbons. He's won so many. I said, many ribbons. He's won so many. I said, many ribbons. He's won so many. I said, "If I had those, I'd wear them "If I had those, I'd wear them "If I had those, I'd wear them everywhere. everywhere. everywhere. I'd look like Mr. T." I'd look like Mr. T." I'd look like Mr. T." You know, but we get these awards You know, but we get these awards You know, but we get these awards maybe on our walls for academic maybe on our walls for academic maybe on our walls for academic achievement or because of our achievement or because of our achievement or because of our performance in some sport or in some performance in some sport or in some performance in some sport or in some other way. Uh but then there's the other way. Uh but then there's the other way. Uh but then there's the imperishable crown and that's what's imperishable crown and that's what's imperishable crown and that's what's waiting for us when we discipline waiting for us when we discipline waiting for us when we discipline ourselves and live godly lives. Then ourselves and live godly lives. Then ourselves and live godly lives. Then there's a crown of rejoicing. That's for there's a crown of rejoicing. That's for there's a crown of rejoicing. That's for those who lead others to Christ. Paul those who lead others to Christ. Paul those who lead others to Christ. Paul says, "What is our hope or our joy or says, "What is our hope or our joy or says, "What is our hope or our joy or our crown of rejoicing? Is it not you in our crown of rejoicing? Is it not you in our crown of rejoicing? Is it not you in the presence of the Lord?" Can you the presence of the Lord?" Can you the presence of the Lord?" Can you imagine getting to heaven and meeting imagine getting to heaven and meeting imagine getting to heaven and meeting someone who says to you, "I came to someone who says to you, "I came to someone who says to you, "I came to Jesus because of your testimony."

Jesus because of your testimony." Jesus because of your testimony." I came to Jesus because you took the I came to Jesus because you took the I came to Jesus because you took the time to share the gospel with me on a time to share the gospel with me on a time to share the gospel with me on a street corner in Tucson, Arizona in street corner in Tucson, Arizona in street corner in Tucson, Arizona in 1984. 1984. 1984. I don't even remember that. Well, I I don't even remember that. Well, I I don't even remember that. Well, I remember it because that was the day I remember it because that was the day I remember it because that was the day I believed in Jesus Christ. And that's all believed in Jesus Christ. And that's all believed in Jesus Christ. And that's all recorded in heaven. God is aware of all recorded in heaven. God is aware of all recorded in heaven. God is aware of all these things that are done. That's why these things that are done. That's why these things that are done. That's why he says, "Your father who sees you in he says, "Your father who sees you in he says, "Your father who sees you in secret will reward you openly." secret will reward you openly." secret will reward you openly." So that faithfulness is known by the So that faithfulness is known by the So that faithfulness is known by the Lord. Then there's a that great crown Lord. Then there's a that great crown Lord. Then there's a that great crown that he gives to all of us. It's that he gives to all of us. It's that he gives to all of us. It's sometimes called the soul winner's sometimes called the soul winner's sometimes called the soul winner's crown. So this is going to be given to crown. So this is going to be given to crown. So this is going to be given to us as well. But then there's the crown us as well. But then there's the crown us as well. But then there's the crown of righteousness. This is given to the of righteousness. This is given to the of righteousness. This is given to the person who looks forward to the return person who looks forward to the return person who looks forward to the return of Jesus. Paul says, "I fought the good of Jesus. Paul says, "I fought the good of Jesus. Paul says, "I fought the good fight. I kept the faith. I finished the fight. I kept the faith. I finished the fight. I kept the faith. I finished the course. Henceforth, there is laid for me course. Henceforth, there is laid for me course. Henceforth, there is laid for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, a crown of righteousness which the Lord, a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me in the righteous judge, will give to me in the righteous judge, will give to me in that day and not to me only, but to all that day and not to me only, but to all that day and not to me only, but to all who love his appearing." What does it who love his appearing." What does it who love his appearing." What does it mean to love his appearing? It means you mean to love his appearing? It means you mean to love his appearing? It means you look forward to the return of Jesus. How look forward to the return of Jesus. How look forward to the return of Jesus. How many of you are looking forward to the many of you are looking forward to the many of you are looking forward to the return of Jesus? Okay, you have a crown return of Jesus? Okay, you have a crown return of Jesus? Okay, you have a crown waiting for you.

waiting for you. waiting for you. You have a crown waiting for you on the You have a crown waiting for you on the You have a crown waiting for you on the other side. And that's a great hope that other side. And that's a great hope that other side. And that's a great hope that we have. And finally, the crown of life we have. And finally, the crown of life we have. And finally, the crown of life for those who persevere through for those who persevere through for those who persevere through temptation and trial. For those who temptation and trial. For those who temptation and trial. For those who persevere through temptation and trial. persevere through temptation and trial. persevere through temptation and trial. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been endures temptation, for when he has been endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he'll receive the crown of approved, he'll receive the crown of approved, he'll receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to life, which the Lord has promised to life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him." The crown of life. those who love him." The crown of life. those who love him." The crown of life. So, every temptation you've resisted. So, every temptation you've resisted. So, every temptation you've resisted. How many of you have ever been tempted How many of you have ever been tempted How many of you have ever been tempted to sin? Raise your hand. Okay, you are a to sin? Raise your hand. Okay, you are a to sin? Raise your hand. Okay, you are a sinful bunch of people. So glad you're sinful bunch of people. So glad you're sinful bunch of people. So glad you're in church today. How many of you have in church today. How many of you have in church today. How many of you have resisted the temptation to sin? Raise resisted the temptation to sin? Raise resisted the temptation to sin? Raise your hand. I hope as many hands go up, your hand. I hope as many hands go up, your hand. I hope as many hands go up, but interestingly, not as many hands. but interestingly, not as many hands. but interestingly, not as many hands. But you know what? Every temptation But you know what? Every temptation But you know what? Every temptation you've resisted, you've resisted, you've resisted, God noted. Well done. Well done. He has God noted. Well done. Well done. He has God noted. Well done. Well done. He has a crown waiting for you because you've a crown waiting for you because you've a crown waiting for you because you've done that. Or the trial you've gone done that. Or the trial you've gone done that. Or the trial you've gone through. Some people go through through. Some people go through through. Some people go through extraordinary trials and hardship in extraordinary trials and hardship in extraordinary trials and hardship in life. I can't explain it. like why did life. I can't explain it. like why did life. I can't explain it. like why did that happen to them? This godly man, that happen to them? This godly man, that happen to them? This godly man, this godly woman having to go through this godly woman having to go through this godly woman having to go through life with that severe disability or that life with that severe disability or that life with that severe disability or that great difficulty or that loss of a loved great difficulty or that loss of a loved great difficulty or that loss of a loved one or something else. Why, Lord? I one or something else. Why, Lord? I one or something else. Why, Lord? I don't know the answer to that. I know don't know the answer to that. I know don't know the answer to that. I know one day all these questions will be one day all these questions will be one day all these questions will be answered. I know one day we'll look back

answered. I know one day we'll look back answered. I know one day we'll look back and we'll see it all and we go, "Oh, now and we'll see it all and we go, "Oh, now and we'll see it all and we go, "Oh, now I get it. Now I understand." But for you I get it. Now I understand." But for you I get it. Now I understand." But for you that have gone through these things or that have gone through these things or that have gone through these things or you that are going through these things, you that are going through these things, you that are going through these things, God's going to give you a special reward God's going to give you a special reward God's going to give you a special reward and a special crown in that final day. and a special crown in that final day. and a special crown in that final day. All right. What are we going to do with All right. What are we going to do with All right. What are we going to do with these crowns? Just walk around wearing these crowns? Just walk around wearing these crowns? Just walk around wearing them. I got more crowns than you. I them. I got more crowns than you. I them. I got more crowns than you. I think I got about five crowns here. think I got about five crowns here. think I got about five crowns here. Looks like you have one. Maybe someone Looks like you have one. Maybe someone Looks like you have one. Maybe someone doesn't even have one. I know that we're doesn't even have one. I know that we're doesn't even have one. I know that we're not getting these rewards to boast. In not getting these rewards to boast. In not getting these rewards to boast. In fact, we read in Revelation fact, we read in Revelation fact, we read in Revelation uh chapter 4 of the elders, the 24 uh chapter 4 of the elders, the 24 uh chapter 4 of the elders, the 24 elders casting their crowns before the elders casting their crowns before the elders casting their crowns before the Lord, saying, "Worthy are you, Lord, to Lord, saying, "Worthy are you, Lord, to Lord, saying, "Worthy are you, Lord, to receive glory and honor, for you have receive glory and honor, for you have receive glory and honor, for you have created all things, and for your created all things, and for your created all things, and for your pleasure they are and were created." So, pleasure they are and were created." So, pleasure they are and were created." So, why why do we have these crowns? Lord, I why why do we have these crowns? Lord, I why why do we have these crowns? Lord, I just wanted to lay this down at your just wanted to lay this down at your just wanted to lay this down at your feet feet feet and I wanted to thank you for all that and I wanted to thank you for all that and I wanted to thank you for all that you did for me. No, I could never pay you did for me. No, I could never pay you did for me. No, I could never pay you back, but this is my way of just you back, but this is my way of just you back, but this is my way of just saying, Lord, thank you. I did what I saying, Lord, thank you. I did what I saying, Lord, thank you. I did what I could do with my life for your glory.

could do with my life for your glory. could do with my life for your glory. Don't you want to say that one day? Don't you want to say that one day? Don't you want to say that one day? >> Don't you want to hear Jesus? >> Don't you want to hear Jesus? >> Don't you want to hear Jesus? [applause] Don't you want to hear Jesus say, "Well Don't you want to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter done, good and faithful servant. Enter done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord." So, let's into the joy of your Lord." So, let's into the joy of your Lord." So, let's conclude. One day, that other shoe is conclude. One day, that other shoe is conclude. One day, that other shoe is going to drop. going to drop. going to drop. The only question that will matter is, The only question that will matter is, The only question that will matter is, will you be ready when it happens? Jesus will you be ready when it happens? Jesus will you be ready when it happens? Jesus could come back at any moment. He could could come back at any moment. He could could come back at any moment. He could come back today. He could come back come back today. He could come back come back today. He could come back tonight. I honestly believe that with tonight. I honestly believe that with tonight. I honestly believe that with all of my heart. But then again, death all of my heart. But then again, death all of my heart. But then again, death could come knocking. We don't know when could come knocking. We don't know when could come knocking. We don't know when that's going to happen. That's why we that's going to happen. That's why we that's going to happen. That's why we need to always be ready. I said need to always be ready. I said need to always be ready. I said something earlier. Live every day as something earlier. Live every day as something earlier. Live every day as though it were your last day because though it were your last day because though it were your last day because someday it will be. So be ready. Be someday it will be. So be ready. Be someday it will be. So be ready. Be ready for the Lord's return or be ready ready for the Lord's return or be ready ready for the Lord's return or be ready to meet the Lord. And I ask you in to meet the Lord. And I ask you in to meet the Lord. And I ask you in closing, if this were your last day, if closing, if this were your last day, if closing, if this were your last day, if this were your last sermon you ever this were your last sermon you ever this were your last sermon you ever heard, if this were your last time to heard, if this were your last time to heard, if this were your last time to attend church, and after this it would attend church, and after this it would attend church, and after this it would be your last meal, be your last meal, be your last meal, would you be ready to meet the Lord? Do would you be ready to meet the Lord? Do would you be ready to meet the Lord? Do you know that when you die, you will go you know that when you die, you will go you know that when you die, you will go to heaven? Are you sure you're ready for to heaven? Are you sure you're ready for to heaven? Are you sure you're ready for the return of Jesus? You say, "Well, the return of Jesus? You say, "Well, the return of Jesus? You say, "Well, actually, honestly, I don't. I'm not."

actually, honestly, I don't. I'm not." actually, honestly, I don't. I'm not." No. What do I do? Tell me. I'm all ears. No. What do I do? Tell me. I'm all ears. No. What do I do? Tell me. I'm all ears. Okay. Admit you're a sinner. Okay. Admit you're a sinner. Okay. Admit you're a sinner. You've broken God's commandments. You've You've broken God's commandments. You've You've broken God's commandments. You've fallen short of his standards. Recognize fallen short of his standards. Recognize fallen short of his standards. Recognize Jesus Christ died on the cross for your Jesus Christ died on the cross for your Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sin and rose again three days later. And sin and rose again three days later. And sin and rose again three days later. And now turn from your sin. Repent of your now turn from your sin. Repent of your now turn from your sin. Repent of your sin as the Bible says, and ask Christ to sin as the Bible says, and ask Christ to sin as the Bible says, and ask Christ to come into your life to be your savior come into your life to be your savior come into your life to be your savior and your lord. And when you do that, you and your lord. And when you do that, you and your lord. And when you do that, you will be ready for the Lord's return. will be ready for the Lord's return. will be ready for the Lord's return. Would you like to do that? if you Would you like to do that? if you Would you like to do that? if you haven't. I'm going to close now with a haven't. I'm going to close now with a haven't. I'm going to close now with a prayer and I'm going to give you an prayer and I'm going to give you an prayer and I'm going to give you an opportunity to make sure that you're opportunity to make sure that you're opportunity to make sure that you're ready for the Lord's return and to be ready for the Lord's return and to be ready for the Lord's return and to be sure you're ready to go to heaven. Let's sure you're ready to go to heaven. Let's sure you're ready to go to heaven. Let's all pray now. Father, I pray for every all pray now. Father, I pray for every all pray now. Father, I pray for every person here, every person listening to person here, every person listening to person here, every person listening to this message, wherever they are, if they this message, wherever they are, if they this message, wherever they are, if they don't know you yet, let this be the don't know you yet, let this be the don't know you yet, let this be the moment they believe. Let this be the moment they believe. Let this be the moment they believe. Let this be the moment they put their faith in Jesus moment they put their faith in Jesus moment they put their faith in Jesus Christ. speak to them right now. Now, Christ. speak to them right now. Now, Christ. speak to them right now. Now, while our heads are bowed and our eyes while our heads are bowed and our eyes while our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed and we're praying together, are closed and we're praying together, are closed and we're praying together, how many of you would say today, "Greg, how many of you would say today, "Greg, how many of you would say today, "Greg, pray for me. I want to go to heaven when pray for me. I want to go to heaven when pray for me. I want to go to heaven when I die. I want to be ready for the Lord's I die. I want to be ready for the Lord's I die. I want to be ready for the Lord's return. I'm ready to say yes to Jesus return. I'm ready to say yes to Jesus return. I'm ready to say yes to Jesus Christ. Pray for me." If that's your Christ. Pray for me." If that's your Christ. Pray for me." If that's your desire, if you want Christ to come into desire, if you want Christ to come into desire, if you want Christ to come into your life, if you want to go to heaven your life, if you want to go to heaven your life, if you want to go to heaven when you die, when you die, when you die, if you want to be ready for the Lord's if you want to be ready for the Lord's if you want to be ready for the Lord's return, would you just lift up your hand return, would you just lift up your hand return, would you just lift up your hand wherever you are and let me pray for

wherever you are and let me pray for wherever you are and let me pray for you. Lift your hand up high and I'll you. Lift your hand up high and I'll you. Lift your hand up high and I'll pray for you. God bless you. God bless pray for you. God bless you. God bless pray for you. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. And you. Anybody you. God bless you. And you. Anybody you. God bless you. And you. Anybody else? Raise your hand up. God bless you. else? Raise your hand up. God bless you. else? Raise your hand up. God bless you. And you and you. And you and you. And you and you. Wherever you are, raise your hand up. Wherever you are, raise your hand up. Wherever you are, raise your hand up. I'll pray for you today. God bless you. I'll pray for you today. God bless you. I'll pray for you today. God bless you. Now, I'm going to ask every one of you Now, I'm going to ask every one of you Now, I'm going to ask every one of you that raised your hand, if you would that raised your hand, if you would that raised your hand, if you would please, I want you to stand to your please, I want you to stand to your please, I want you to stand to your feet, and I'm going to lead you in a feet, and I'm going to lead you in a feet, and I'm going to lead you in a prayer. Stand to your feet. If you raise prayer. Stand to your feet. If you raise prayer. Stand to your feet. If you raise your hand, even if you did not, but you your hand, even if you did not, but you your hand, even if you did not, but you want Jesus Christ to come into your want Jesus Christ to come into your want Jesus Christ to come into your life. [applause] Why are you clapping? You're supposed to Why are you clapping? You're supposed to be praying. [laughter] be praying. [laughter] be praying. [laughter] Anybody else? If you raise your hand, Anybody else? If you raise your hand, Anybody else? If you raise your hand, even if you did not, but you want the even if you did not, but you want the even if you did not, but you want the Lord to come into your life today, stand Lord to come into your life today, stand Lord to come into your life today, stand up and let me lead you in this prayer. up and let me lead you in this prayer. up and let me lead you in this prayer. Anybody else stand to your feet now and Anybody else stand to your feet now and Anybody else stand to your feet now and we'll pray together. God bless you. All we'll pray together. God bless you. All we'll pray together. God bless you. All right, all of you that are standing, I right, all of you that are standing, I right, all of you that are standing, I want you to pray this prayer out loud want you to pray this prayer out loud want you to pray this prayer out loud after me. Again, you that are standing, after me. Again, you that are standing, after me. Again, you that are standing, pray this prayer out loud after me. Pray pray this prayer out loud after me. Pray pray this prayer out loud after me. Pray these words now. Lord Jesus, these words now. Lord Jesus, these words now. Lord Jesus, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, I know that I'm a sinner, but I know that you're the savior who but I know that you're the savior who but I know that you're the savior who died on the cross for my sin and rose died on the cross for my sin and rose died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead. I turn from that again from the dead. I turn from that again from the dead. I turn from that sin now and I choose to follow you from sin now and I choose to follow you from sin now and I choose to follow you from this moment forward.

this moment forward. this moment forward. Thank you for hearing this prayer and Thank you for hearing this prayer and Thank you for hearing this prayer and answering it. In Jesus name I pray. answering it. In Jesus name I pray. answering it. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. God bless each one of you that Amen. God bless each one of you that Amen. God bless each one of you that prayed that prayer. God bless you guys. prayed that prayer. God bless you guys. prayed that prayer. God bless you guys. God bless you. God bless you. God bless you. What a great message. You know, if you What a great message. You know, if you What a great message. You know, if you prayed to receive Christ into your prayed to receive Christ into your prayed to receive Christ into your heart, we want to welcome you to the heart, we want to welcome you to the heart, we want to welcome you to the family of God. We are so incredibly family of God. We are so incredibly family of God. We are so incredibly happy that you made this decision to happy that you made this decision to happy that you made this decision to help you get started or restarted in help you get started or restarted in help you get started or restarted in your walk with Christ. We want to send your walk with Christ. We want to send your walk with Christ. We want to send you a new believer's Bible which you a new believer's Bible which you a new believer's Bible which presents the New Testament in a very presents the New Testament in a very presents the New Testament in a very understandable translation and it has understandable translation and it has understandable translation and it has hundreds of notes from Pastor Greg Lori. hundreds of notes from Pastor Greg Lori. hundreds of notes from Pastor Greg Lori. Let us know that you prayed by clicking Let us know that you prayed by clicking Let us know that you prayed by clicking the link or you can go to the link or you can go to the link or you can go to harvest.org/bible harvest.org/bible harvest.org/bible and we would love to send you the New and we would love to send you the New and we would love to send you the New Believers Bible for free. An important Believers Bible for free. An important Believers Bible for free. An important part of your walk with Christ is to also part of your walk with Christ is to also part of your walk with Christ is to also walk with his people. We want to walk with his people. We want to walk with his people. We want to encourage you to join Harvest online encourage you to join Harvest online encourage you to join Harvest online disciplehip. This is a group of people disciplehip. This is a group of people disciplehip. This is a group of people who are seeking to grow in their faith who are seeking to grow in their faith who are seeking to grow in their faith and deepen their relationship with God and deepen their relationship with God and deepen their relationship with God among like-minded believers. You can among like-minded believers. You can among like-minded believers. You can join discussions, share resources, offer join discussions, share resources, offer join discussions, share resources, offer prayers, and you can share personal prayers, and you can share personal prayers, and you can share personal experiences and testimonies. Sign up and experiences and testimonies. Sign up and experiences and testimonies. Sign up and join the community today by going to join the community today by going to join the community today by going to disciple.harvest.org.

disciple.harvest.org. disciple.harvest.org. Well, family, we are so glad that you Well, family, we are so glad that you Well, family, we are so glad that you were able to tune in with us. Have a were able to tune in with us. Have a were able to tune in with us. Have a great week. God bless you guys and we'll great week. God bless you guys and we'll great week. God bless you guys and we'll see you soon.