Look Up! Jesus Is Coming | Sunday Message

Feeling a bit disconnected in your walk Feeling a bit disconnected in your walk with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg Lori has with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg Lori has with Christ? Well, Pastor Greg Lori has a great new book called What Every a great new book called What Every a great new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know that'll Growing Christian Needs to Know that'll Growing Christian Needs to Know that'll help. Let's say you're feeling lethargic help. Let's say you're feeling lethargic help. Let's say you're feeling lethargic and tired. You know, if you have a diet and tired. You know, if you have a diet and tired. You know, if you have a diet of social media and you don't take time of social media and you don't take time of social media and you don't take time for the word of God, this is going to for the word of God, this is going to for the word of God, this is going to have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just have a damaging effect. So, this is just one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this one of the things we talk about in this new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing new book called What Every Growing Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at Christian Needs to Know, available at harvest.org. org. harvest.org. org. harvest.org. org. >> Hey there, thanks for listening to the >> Hey there, thanks for listening to the >> Hey there, thanks for listening to the Greg Lori podcast, a ministry supported Greg Lori podcast, a ministry supported Greg Lori podcast, a ministry supported by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Lorie by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Lorie by Harvest Partners. I'm Greg Lorie encouraging you. If you want to find out encouraging you. If you want to find out encouraging you. If you want to find out more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about Harvest Ministries and learn more about how to become a Harvest more about how to become a Harvest more about how to become a Harvest partner, just go to harvest.org. partner, just go to harvest.org. partner, just go to harvest.org. Why don't you grab your Bible and turn Why don't you grab your Bible and turn Why don't you grab your Bible and turn to Luke chap 21. As many of you know, uh to Luke chap 21. As many of you know, uh to Luke chap 21. As many of you know, uh I started out in my ministry as a I started out in my ministry as a I started out in my ministry as a cartoonist. I drew a little cartoon book cartoonist. I drew a little cartoon book cartoonist. I drew a little cartoon book called Living Water. And then I created called Living Water. And then I created called Living Water. And then I created a couple of characters, Ben, Born Again, a couple of characters, Ben, Born Again, a couple of characters, Ben, Born Again, and Yellow Dog. Right. And so we have a and Yellow Dog. Right. And so we have a and Yellow Dog. Right. And so we have a brand new cartoon, a comic book out. Uh brand new cartoon, a comic book out. Uh brand new cartoon, a comic book out. Uh if you want to get one in the bookstore, if you want to get one in the bookstore, if you 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. 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, an apocalyptic culture, a wash, an apocalyptic culture, a wash, an 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 a quick five reasons why it's a good you a quick five reasons why it's a good you a 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 that has an actual book of the Bible that has an actual book of the Bible that 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 see, there's not God's final plan." You see, there's not God's final plan." You see, 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 and the caught up together with them and the caught up together with them and 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.

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, I would the topic of end times events, I would the topic of end times events, I would not have you ignorant brothers and not have you ignorant brothers and 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 their right to be wrong. No, seriously, their right to be wrong. No, seriously, their 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 is a bride we have the new Jerusalem is a bride we have the new Jerusalem is 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. Now the prefix anti does not Christ. Now the prefix anti does not Christ. Now the prefix anti does not only me mean against it also means only me mean against it also means only me mean against it also means instead of. So we have a man who will instead of. So we have a man who will instead of. So we have a man who will emerge on the scene that offers himself emerge on the scene that offers himself emerge on the scene that offers himself as the Messiah. And some will even as the Messiah. And some will even as the Messiah. And some will even believe he's Messiah for this reason. believe he's Messiah for this reason. believe he's Messiah for this reason. He'll be a peacemaker. He'll come with a He'll be a peacemaker. He'll come with a He'll be a peacemaker. He'll come with a peace treaty that he'll get the other peace treaty that he'll get the other peace treaty that he'll get the other nations of the earth to sign that will nations of the earth to sign that will nations of the earth to sign that will last for three and a half years. He'll last for three and a half years. He'll last for three and a half years. He'll be charismatic, magnetic, intelligent, be charismatic, magnetic, intelligent, be 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. So, some will say he is in Jerusalem. So, some will say he is in Jerusalem. So, some will say he is the very Messiah. But as it turns out, the very Messiah. But as it turns out, the very Messiah. But as it turns out, he'll be revealed to be the most evil he'll be revealed to be the most evil he'll be revealed to be the most evil man who ever lived. The Bible says Satan man who ever lived. The Bible says Satan man who ever lived. The Bible says Satan gives him his power. He's he's gives him his power. He's he's gives him his power. He's he's satanically energized. So, instead of satanically energized. So, instead of satanically energized. So, instead of being the greatest peacemaker, in being the greatest peacemaker, in being the greatest peacemaker, in reality, he's the greatest troublemaker.

reality, he's the greatest troublemaker. reality, he's the greatest troublemaker. But it'll take time for people to But it'll take time for people to But it'll take time for people to understand that. Now, is the Antichrist understand that. Now, is the Antichrist understand that. Now, is the Antichrist alive today? I don't know the answer to alive today? I don't know the answer to alive today? I don't know the answer to that. But clearly things are right for that. But clearly things are right for that. But clearly things are right for this dark night to rise to power. Uh this dark night to rise to power. Uh this dark night to rise to power. Uh he'll do what no other president, prime he'll do what no other president, prime he'll do what no other president, prime minister, king, queen, or world leader minister, king, queen, or world leader minister, king, queen, or world leader has ever done. He'll bring economic has ever done. He'll bring economic has ever done. He'll bring economic stability and world peace that will be stability and world peace that will be stability and world peace that will be short-lived. But Antichrist cannot be short-lived. But Antichrist cannot be short-lived. But Antichrist cannot be revealed until the church is raptured. revealed until the church is raptured. revealed until the church is raptured. Uh 2 Thessalonians 2:7 says, "The secret Uh 2 Thessalonians 2:7 says, "The secret Uh 2 Thessalonians 2:7 says, "The secret of lawlessness is already working. Only of lawlessness is already working. Only of lawlessness is already working. Only it cannot be revealed. Only he who now it cannot be revealed. Only he who now it 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 who another translation puts it, only he who another translation puts it, only he who now restrains disappears from the midst. now restrains disappears from the midst. now restrains disappears from the midst. Then that wicked one will be revealed Then that wicked one will be revealed Then that wicked one will be revealed whom the Lord will destroy with the whom the Lord will destroy with the whom the Lord will destroy with the brightness of his coming. So the brightness of his coming. So 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 Jesus even said, "In this world, you Jesus even said, "In this world, you shall have tribulation, but be of good shall have tribulation, but be of good shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. have overcome the world rejoice cheer. have overcome the world rejoice cheer. have overcome the world rejoice when all kinds of trials come your way. when all kinds of trials come your way. when all kinds of trials come your way. The Bible speaks of this many times. So, The Bible speaks of this many times. So, The Bible speaks of this many times. So, we will go through trials. We will go we will go through trials. We will go we will go through trials. We will go through personal tribulation. But through personal tribulation. But through personal tribulation. But there's a big difference between that there's a big difference between that there's a big difference between that and what we call the great tribulation and what we call the great tribulation and what we call the great tribulation period, a time lasting for seven years. period, a time lasting for seven years. period, a time lasting for seven years. We will not go through that. Speaking to We will not go through that. Speaking to We will not go through that. Speaking to the church of Philadelphia in the book the church of Philadelphia in the book the church of Philadelphia in the book of Revelation, Jesus says, "Because of Revelation, Jesus says, "Because of Revelation, Jesus says, "Because you've obeyed my command to persevere, I you've obeyed my command to persevere, I you've obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from that great time of will protect you from that great time of will protect you from that great time of testing that will come upon the whole testing that will come upon the whole testing that will come upon the whole world to test those that belong to this world to test those that belong to this world to test those that belong to this world." Next point, Israel and the world." Next point, Israel and the world." Next point, Israel and the Middle East play a key role in end times Middle East play a key role in end times Middle East play a key role in end times events. Israel and the Middle East play events. Israel and the Middle East play events. Israel and the Middle East play a key role in end times events. And a key role in end times events. And a key role in end times events. And that's why all Bible students are that's why all Bible students are that's why all Bible students are watching with wrapped attention of what watching with wrapped attention of what watching with wrapped attention of what is going on over there right now with is going on over there right now with is going on over there right now with this ongoing conflict and war with Iran.

this ongoing conflict and war with Iran. this ongoing conflict and war with Iran. Uh with the tension between Iran and Uh with the tension between Iran and Uh with the tension between Iran and Israel, uh we're watching it with great Israel, uh we're watching it with great Israel, uh we're watching it with great concern. And in fact, in verse 20, Jesus concern. And in fact, in verse 20, Jesus concern. And in fact, in verse 20, Jesus says Luke 21, you'll see Jerusalem says Luke 21, you'll see Jerusalem says Luke 21, you'll see Jerusalem surrounded by armies. You'll know that surrounded by armies. You'll know that surrounded by armies. You'll know that the time of its destruction has arrived. the time of its destruction has arrived. the time of its destruction has arrived. Let those who were in Judea flee to the Let those who were in Judea flee to the Let those who were in Judea flee to the hills and those in Jerusalem must get hills and those in Jerusalem must get hills and those in Jerusalem must get out and those out in the country should out and those out in the country should out and those out in the country should return to the city. Now understand these return to the city. Now understand these return 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. Any you ladies know who've had baby. Any you ladies know who've had baby. Any 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. and he used to be in maybe happening. and he used to be in maybe happening. and he used to be in maybe every couple years something significant every couple years something significant every couple years something significant would happen or maybe every couple of would happen or maybe every couple of would happen or maybe every couple of months nowadays it seems like every day months nowadays it seems like every day months nowadays it seems like every day there's something going on that alerts there's something going on that alerts there's something going on that alerts us to the fact that Jesus is coming us to the fact that Jesus is coming us to the fact that Jesus is coming right so Jerusalem right so Jerusalem right so 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 Norco That's insulting to the people of Norco That's insulting to the people of Norco 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 learned so much about his people, But we learned so much about his people, But we learned 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. not yet begun. not yet begun. But once the first event takes place, But once the first event takes place, But once the first event takes place, the rapture of the church, all the rest the rapture of the church, all the rest the rapture of the church, all the rest follow in short order. You could compare follow in short order. You could compare follow in short order. You could compare it to dominoes closely stacked together. it to dominoes closely stacked together. it to dominoes closely stacked together. You've seen it before. the first domino You've seen it before. the first domino You've seen it before. the first domino falls and the next one falls and on they falls and the next one falls and on they falls and the next one falls and on they go. And so that's what these events are go. And so that's what these events are go. And so that's what these events are going to be like. So we're waiting for going to be like. So we're waiting for going to be like. So we're waiting for the next event to happen. So I know this the next event to happen. So I know this the next event to happen. So I know this is quite alarming and concerning and for is quite alarming and concerning and for is quite alarming and concerning and for some maybe even frightening. So Jesus some maybe even frightening. So Jesus some maybe even frightening. So Jesus addresses this. Look at verse 28. 28. So addresses this. Look at verse 28. 28. So addresses this. Look at verse 28. 28. So when you see these things begin to when you see these things begin to when you see these things begin to happen, stand and look up for your happen, stand and look up for your happen, stand and look up for your salvation is near. salvation is near. 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.

God is in control. God is in control. Right? 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. happened. happened. And I'll say, "No, that's exactly how it And I'll say, "No, that's exactly how it And I'll say, "No, that's exactly how it No, no, you left out a couple of No, no, you left out a couple of No, no, you left out a couple of details." I said, "Excuse me, you details." I said, "Excuse me, you details." I said, "Excuse me, you weren't even there when it happened." weren't even there when it happened." weren't even there when it 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 you left out a couple of things." And you left out a couple of things." And dog on it, she's right about that. So, dog on it, she's right about that. So, dog on it, she's right about that. So, so I forget the past, but God remembers so I forget the past, but God remembers so I forget the past, but God remembers the past with clarity. He knows the the past with clarity. He knows the the past with clarity. He knows the future with the same clarity. it it I future with the same clarity. it it I future with the same clarity. it it I remember a while ago I was watching the remember a while ago I was watching the remember a while ago I was watching the Super Bowl game and it was getting Super Bowl game and it was getting Super Bowl game and it was getting toward the end and I I had to uh stop toward the end and I I had to uh stop toward the end and I I had to uh stop for a moment so I hit pause and I went for a moment so I hit pause and I went for a moment so I hit pause and I went and did something then I got in a and did something then I got in a and did something then I got in a conversation and and then I checked my conversation and and then I checked my conversation and and then I checked my phone and I saw on X now formerly phone and I saw on X now formerly phone and I saw on X now formerly Twitter I found out who won the game and Twitter I found out who won the game and Twitter I found out who won the game and how they won this shock. Well, I went how they won this shock. Well, I went how they won this shock. Well, I went back and watched the rest of the game, back and watched the rest of the game, back and watched the rest of the game, but I saw it differently because I knew but I saw it differently because I knew but I saw it differently because I knew what was going to happen. You see, and what was going to happen. You see, and what was going to happen. You see, and that's how God looks at these things. He that's how God looks at these things. He that's how God looks at these things. He knows already. He's told us not to knows already. He's told us not to knows already. He's told us not to worry. This is how we should look at the worry. This is how we should look at the worry. This is how we should look at the world. We've read the last chapter.

world. We've read the last chapter. world. We've read the last chapter. Jesus wins. Jesus wins and we win, too. 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. 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 dullled by carousing and drunkenness and dullled by carousing and drunkenness and dullled 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. Carousing and drunkenness. Two of them Carousing and drunkenness. Two of them Carousing 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 seeking. It's the idea of eating and seeking. It's the idea of eating and seeking. 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 on that day or this day or return on that day or this day or return on 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 "Even so come, Lord Jesus, come." We "Even so come, Lord Jesus, come." We just sang that, didn't we? Even so, come just sang that, didn't we? Even so, come just sang that, didn't we? Even so, come Lord Jesus, come. So, he starts with Lord Jesus, come. So, he starts with Lord Jesus, come. So, he starts with amen. Amen. So be it. Another way to amen. Amen. So be it. Another way to amen. Amen. So be it. Another way to translate amen is let it be. As St. Paul translate amen is let it be. As St. Paul translate amen is let it be. As St. Paul said, let it be. Paul McCartney. Never said, let it be. Paul McCartney. Never said, let it be. Paul McCartney. Never mind. like, but all of my cultural mind. like, but all of my cultural mind. like, but all of my cultural references have been falling flat references have been falling flat references have been falling flat lately. I don't know what's happening.

lately. I don't know what's happening. lately. I don't know 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 cuz some you do hear me when I'm around cuz some you do hear me when I'm around cuz some bikes make no sound at all. Cuz as bikes make no sound at all. Cuz as bikes make no sound at all. Cuz as you're going down the road, you think you're going down the road, you think 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 into you can go to sleep. you can go into you can go to sleep. you can go into you can go to sleep. I've seen stories in the news about I've seen stories in the news about I've seen stories in the news about people that just program their home in people that just program their home in people that just program their home in and go to sleep. Let the car drive them.

and go to sleep. Let the car drive them. and go to sleep. Let the 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 Clen. So, he said, wanted to impress Clen. So, he said, wanted to impress Clen. 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 his farmer And they went out there and his farmer And they went out there and his 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 a lot of people are when it comes That's a lot of people are when it comes to this topic. They just miss the point. to this topic. They just miss the point. to this topic. They just miss the 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." H Why want to cross the sea for Christ." H Why want to cross the sea for Christ." H Why don't you start by crossing the street don't you start by crossing the street don't you start by crossing the 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.

you. you. So pray, Lord, give me more So pray, Lord, give me more 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 he'll say what he said And other times he'll say what he said And other times he'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 ache pain in and there's not a single ache pain in and there's not a single ache 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. church. church. That's okay. I'm glad you're here. If if That's okay. I'm glad you're here. If if That's okay. I'm glad you're here. If if that brought you here today, some kind that brought you here today, some kind that brought you here today, some kind of problem affliction or let's get of problem affliction or let's get of problem affliction or let's get people to pray. That's okay, too, people to pray. That's okay, too, 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 and then he found out he had beautifully and then he found out he had beautifully and 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 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, 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. So the reason you when you get there. So the reason you when you get there. So the reason I'm going to heaven is because I I'm going to heaven is because I I'm going to heaven is because I believed in Jesus and believed in Jesus and 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 a crown of righteousness, which the a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to Lord, the righteous judge, will give to Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me in that day, and not to me only, but me in that day, and not to me only, but me in that day, and not to me only, but to all who love his appearing." What to all who love his appearing." What to all who love his appearing." What does it mean to love his appearing? It does it mean to love his appearing? It does it mean to love his appearing? It means you look forward to the return of means you look forward to the return of means you look forward to the return of Jesus. How many of you are looking Jesus. How many of you are looking Jesus. How many of you are looking forward to the return of Jesus? Okay, forward to the return of Jesus? Okay, forward to the return of Jesus? Okay, you have a crown waiting for you.

you have a crown waiting for you. you have a crown 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 for those who persevere for those who persevere through temptation and trial. For those through temptation and trial. For those through temptation and trial. For those who persevere through temptation and who persevere through temptation and who persevere through temptation and trial. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the trial. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the trial. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he man who endures temptation, for when he man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he'll receive the has been approved, he'll receive the has been approved, he'll receive the crown of life, which the Lord has crown of life, which the Lord has crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love him." The promised to those who love him." The promised to those who love him." The crown of life. So, every temptation crown of life. So, every temptation crown of life. So, every temptation you've resisted. How many of you have you've resisted. How many of you have you've resisted. How many of you have ever been tempted to sin? Raise your ever been tempted to sin? Raise your ever been tempted to sin? Raise your hand. Okay, you are a sinful bunch of hand. Okay, you are a sinful bunch of hand. Okay, you are a sinful bunch of people. So glad you're in church today. people. So glad you're in church today. people. So glad you're in church today. How many of you have resisted the How many of you have resisted the How many of you have resisted the temptation to sin? Raise your hand. I temptation to sin? Raise your hand. I temptation to sin? Raise your hand. I hope as many hands go up, but hope as many hands go up, but hope as many hands go up, but interestingly, not as many hands. interestingly, not as many hands. 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. We go, "Oh, now I and we'll see it all. We go, "Oh, now I and we'll see it all. We go, "Oh, now I get it. Now I understand." But for you get it. Now I understand." But for you 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 and I wanted to thank you for all feet and I wanted to thank you for all feet and I wanted to thank you for all that you did for me. No, I could never that you did for me. No, I could never that you did for me. No, I could never pay you back, but this is my way of just pay you back, but this is my way of just pay 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 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 be attend church and after this it would be attend church and after this it would be your last meal, your last meal, 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. 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 but I know that you're the savior but I know that you're the savior who died on the cross for my sin and who died on the cross for my sin and who died on the cross for my sin and rose again from the dead. rose again from the dead. rose again from the dead. I turn from that sin now and I choose to I turn from that sin now and I choose to I turn from that sin now and I choose to follow you from this moment forward. follow you from this moment forward. follow you from 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. Hey everybody, thanks for Amen. Hey everybody, thanks for Amen. Hey everybody, thanks for listening to this podcast. To learn more listening to this podcast. To learn more listening to this podcast. To learn more about Harvest Ministries, follow this about Harvest Ministries, follow this about Harvest Ministries, follow this show and consider supporting it. Just go show and consider supporting it. Just go show and consider supporting it. Just go to harvest.org. And to find out how to to harvest.org. And to find out how to to harvest.org. And to find out how to know God personally, go to harvest.org know God personally, go to harvest.org know God personally, go to harvest.org and click on know God.