3 Ways to Prepare for Jesus’ Return

Let's play a game today, all of our Let's play a game today, all of our churches, those of you online. I'm going churches, those of you online. I'm going churches, those of you online. I'm going to ask you a question and you can vote. to ask you a question and you can vote. to ask you a question and you can vote. Question is, do you think we're living Question is, do you think we're living Question is, do you think we're living in the last days? All of our churches, in the last days? All of our churches, in the last days? All of our churches, how many of you say, I think we probably how many of you say, I think we probably how many of you say, I think we probably are living in the last days, raise your are living in the last days, raise your are living in the last days, raise your hands up. Online, you can think say I'm hands up. Online, you can think say I'm hands up. Online, you can think say I'm I think we're living in the last days. I think we're living in the last days. I think we're living in the last days. Others of you would say, hey, they've Others of you would say, hey, they've Others of you would say, hey, they've been saying that forever, my grandma been saying that forever, my grandma been saying that forever, my grandma thought that, people think that we thought that, people think that we thought that, people think that we probably got some more time here. How probably got some more time here. How probably got some more time here. How many think we got we got some more time many think we got we got some more time many think we got we got some more time coming, raise your hands. You can type coming, raise your hands. You can type coming, raise your hands. You can type in the comments section, I think we have in the comments section, I think we have in the comments section, I think we have some more time. Question, and I'm going some more time. Question, and I'm going some more time. Question, and I'm going to answer it. Are we living in the last to answer it. Are we living in the last to answer it. Are we living in the last days? The answer is days? The answer is days? The answer is yes, we actually are living in the last yes, we actually are living in the last yes, we actually are living in the last days. Because the Bible teaches us that days. Because the Bible teaches us that days. Because the Bible teaches us that we're living in the last days, and the we're living in the last days, and the we're living in the last days, and the Bible shows us that the last days Bible shows us that the last days Bible shows us that the last days actually began when Jesus ascended into actually began when Jesus ascended into actually began when Jesus ascended into heaven. If you remember on the cross, heaven. If you remember on the cross, heaven. If you remember on the cross, Jesus died for the forgiveness of our Jesus died for the forgiveness of our Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins, and 3 days later, the stone was sins, and 3 days later, the stone was sins, and 3 days later, the stone was rolled away. rolled away. rolled away. The tomb was empty, and he was not The tomb was empty, and he was not The tomb was empty, and he was not there. And 40 days after the there. And 40 days after the there. And 40 days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended into resurrection, Jesus ascended into resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, and then at Pentecost, the Holy heaven, and then at Pentecost, the Holy heaven, and then at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out on people, and the Spirit was poured out on people, and the Spirit was poured out on people, and the Bible actually shows us that was the Bible actually shows us that was the Bible actually shows us that was the beginning of the last day. So, from that beginning of the last day. So, from that beginning of the last day. So, from that moment on, we've all been living in the moment on, we've all been living in the moment on, we've all been living in the final chapter of God's redemptive plan.

final chapter of God's redemptive plan. final chapter of God's redemptive plan. And what's amazing is when you look at And what's amazing is when you look at And what's amazing is when you look at God's word, the Bible, nearly every God's word, the Bible, nearly every God's word, the Bible, nearly every section of the Bible, in the Old section of the Bible, in the Old section of the Bible, in the Old Testament, the law and the prophets, in Testament, the law and the prophets, in Testament, the law and the prophets, in the New Testament, in the Gospels, in the New Testament, in the Gospels, in the New Testament, in the Gospels, in Acts, in the Epistles, and in Acts, in the Epistles, and in Acts, in the Epistles, and in Revelation, nearly every section of the Revelation, nearly every section of the Revelation, nearly every section of the Bible foreshadows or directly teaches us Bible foreshadows or directly teaches us Bible foreshadows or directly teaches us that Jesus is coming again. that Jesus is coming again. that Jesus is coming again. So, So, So, if you're asking, are we living in the if you're asking, are we living in the if you're asking, are we living in the last days, technically, we actually are last days, technically, we actually are last days, technically, we actually are living in the last days, and the last living in the last days, and the last living in the last days, and the last days started about 2,000 years ago, and days started about 2,000 years ago, and days started about 2,000 years ago, and so every generation since then is called so every generation since then is called so every generation since then is called to live with a very sincere to live with a very sincere to live with a very sincere and faithful spiritual urgency. and faithful spiritual urgency. and faithful spiritual urgency. Because we know that every single day Because we know that every single day Because we know that every single day we are one day closer we are one day closer we are one day closer to the return of the king of all kings to the return of the king of all kings to the return of the king of all kings and the lord of all lords. Let's pray and the lord of all lords. Let's pray and the lord of all lords. Let's pray together. God, we ask that together. God, we ask that together. God, we ask that by the power of your spirit and through by the power of your spirit and through by the power of your spirit and through the teaching of your living word the teaching of your living word the teaching of your living word that you would create in us a spiritual that you would create in us a spiritual that you would create in us a spiritual urgency urgency urgency to be ready, to be prepared, to show to be ready, to be prepared, to show to be ready, to be prepared, to show your love your love your love as we look forward to the return of your as we look forward to the return of your as we look forward to the return of your son Jesus. It's in his name that we son Jesus. It's in his name that we son Jesus. It's in his name that we pray. And everybody said, "Amen." Type pray. And everybody said, "Amen." Type pray. And everybody said, "Amen." Type in the comment section amen so that we in the comment section amen so that we in the comment section amen so that we know that you are there.

know that you are there. know that you are there. Um let's talk about the context of um 1 Um let's talk about the context of um 1 Um let's talk about the context of um 1 Thessalonians. Thessalonians. Thessalonians. Uh the Thessalonians Uh the Thessalonians Uh the Thessalonians uh were a group in the time we're uh were a group in the time we're uh were a group in the time we're studying of new Christians. They were studying of new Christians. They were studying of new Christians. They were really concerned about the future. really concerned about the future. really concerned about the future. And so Paul wrote this letter, 1 And so Paul wrote this letter, 1 And so Paul wrote this letter, 1 Thessalonians, and talked about the last Thessalonians, and talked about the last Thessalonians, and talked about the last days not to scare them, but really to days not to scare them, but really to days not to scare them, but really to study their faith. Um the book starts study their faith. Um the book starts study their faith. Um the book starts this way. 1 Thessalonians uh 1 through this way. 1 Thessalonians uh 1 through this way. 1 Thessalonians uh 1 through 3. Uh Paul says, "To the church of the 3. Uh Paul says, "To the church of the 3. Uh Paul says, "To the church of the Thessalonians, Thessalonians, Thessalonians, we always thank God for all of you and we always thank God for all of you and we always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. continually mention you in our prayers. continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before uh our God and Father We remember before uh our God and Father We remember before uh our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor your work produced by faith, your labor your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance prompted by love, and your endurance prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by the hope of our Lord Jesus inspired by the hope of our Lord Jesus inspired by the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ." Christ." Christ." What's beautiful about this text is that What's beautiful about this text is that What's beautiful about this text is that Paul's writing in a very relational Paul's writing in a very relational Paul's writing in a very relational tone. I remember you. We're praying for tone. I remember you. We're praying for tone. I remember you. We're praying for you. I'm thankful for your work. And it you. I'm thankful for your work. And it you. I'm thankful for your work. And it actually makes sense if you understand actually makes sense if you understand actually makes sense if you understand the background and context of the the background and context of the the background and context of the Thessalonian naked church. Um around 50 Thessalonian naked church. Um around 50 Thessalonian naked church. Um around 50 or 51 AD, Paul took his second or 51 AD, Paul took his second or 51 AD, Paul took his second missionary journey. And if you look all missionary journey. And if you look all missionary journey. And if you look all the way up in the top left-hand corner, the way up in the top left-hand corner, the way up in the top left-hand corner, you'll see him on his journey arriving you'll see him on his journey arriving you'll see him on his journey arriving at Thessalonica. And according to Acts at Thessalonica. And according to Acts at Thessalonica. And according to Acts 17, you can read about this if you want 17, you can read about this if you want 17, you can read about this if you want to, but Acts 17 tells us about his visit to, but Acts 17 tells us about his visit to, but Acts 17 tells us about his visit there. He visited this major city, there. He visited this major city, there. He visited this major city, population of over 200,000 people that

population of over 200,000 people that population of over 200,000 people that he knew was important and strategic he knew was important and strategic he knew was important and strategic because it was the capital and also, if because it was the capital and also, if because it was the capital and also, if you'll see it there, it was a port city. you'll see it there, it was a port city. you'll see it there, it was a port city. So, Paul knew if he could reach those So, Paul knew if he could reach those So, Paul knew if he could reach those people with the gospel, THE GOSPEL COULD people with the gospel, THE GOSPEL COULD people with the gospel, THE GOSPEL COULD SPREAD FROM there to places around the SPREAD FROM there to places around the SPREAD FROM there to places around the world. Now, how did the church start? world. Now, how did the church start? world. Now, how did the church start? Well, according to the book of Acts, Well, according to the book of Acts, Well, according to the book of Acts, Paul preached in Thessalonica on three Paul preached in Thessalonica on three Paul preached in Thessalonica on three different Sabbaths. And when he different Sabbaths. And when he different Sabbaths. And when he preached, some Jews got saved and some preached, some Jews got saved and some preached, some Jews got saved and some Greeks got saved. And there was a new Greeks got saved. And there was a new Greeks got saved. And there was a new little revival going on. The problem is little revival going on. The problem is little revival going on. The problem is some of the non-believing Jews got angry some of the non-believing Jews got angry some of the non-believing Jews got angry and jealous of Paul. And so, they they and jealous of Paul. And so, they they and jealous of Paul. And so, they they literally ran him out of town. So, he's literally ran him out of town. So, he's literally ran him out of town. So, he's there for about 3 weeks, probably less there for about 3 weeks, probably less there for about 3 weeks, probably less than a month. He preaches, a bunch of than a month. He preaches, a bunch of than a month. He preaches, a bunch of people get saved, and boom, there's baby people get saved, and boom, there's baby people get saved, and boom, there's baby Christians and a brand new church. So, Christians and a brand new church. So, Christians and a brand new church. So, they're like loving God, but they're they're like loving God, but they're they're like loving God, but they're being persecuted and they're scared. being persecuted and they're scared. being persecuted and they're scared. So, what does Paul do? He writes a So, what does Paul do? He writes a So, what does Paul do? He writes a letter to them. And he's very, very letter to them. And he's very, very letter to them. And he's very, very relational and he starts with talking relational and he starts with talking relational and he starts with talking about the love of God. Watch what he about the love of God. Watch what he about the love of God. Watch what he says. In verse 4, he says, "For we know, says. In verse 4, he says, "For we know, says. In verse 4, he says, "For we know, brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters, loved by God. Hey, don't be afraid.

loved by God. Hey, don't be afraid. loved by God. Hey, don't be afraid. God's with you. He's for you. He loves God's with you. He's for you. He loves God's with you. He's for you. He loves you. Brothers and sisters, loved by God, you. Brothers and sisters, loved by God, you. Brothers and sisters, loved by God, that he has chosen you because our that he has chosen you because our that he has chosen you because our gospel, I love this, came to you not gospel, I love this, came to you not gospel, I love this, came to you not simply with words, simply with words, simply with words, BUT ALSO WITH POWER. BUT ALSO WITH POWER. BUT ALSO WITH POWER. THE GOSPEL IS NOT JUST WORDS, but the THE GOSPEL IS NOT JUST WORDS, but the THE GOSPEL IS NOT JUST WORDS, but the gospel came to you with power, with the gospel came to you with power, with the gospel came to you with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. He Holy Spirit and deep conviction. He Holy Spirit and deep conviction. He says, "I want you to know and understand says, "I want you to know and understand says, "I want you to know and understand that God does love you. He loves you. that God does love you. He loves you. that God does love you. He loves you. He's He's with you. He accepts you. He's He's He's with you. He accepts you. He's He's He's with you. He accepts you. He's forgiven you. He's made you new. He forgiven you. He's made you new. He forgiven you. He's made you new. He loves YOU." BUT GOD DIDN'T JUST GIVE you loves YOU." BUT GOD DIDN'T JUST GIVE you loves YOU." BUT GOD DIDN'T JUST GIVE you his love. God gave you his power. Paul his love. God gave you his power. Paul his love. God gave you his power. Paul said, "Our gospel's not just words, but said, "Our gospel's not just words, but said, "Our gospel's not just words, but our gospel IS POWER." THE GOSPEL IS our gospel IS POWER." THE GOSPEL IS our gospel IS POWER." THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO BREAK THE CHAINS THAT HOLD YOU POWER TO BREAK THE CHAINS THAT HOLD YOU POWER TO BREAK THE CHAINS THAT HOLD YOU HOSTAGE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO heal HOSTAGE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO heal HOSTAGE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO heal what's broken. It's not just words, it what's broken. It's not just words, it what's broken. It's not just words, it comes with power. You You You know that comes with power. You You You know that comes with power. You You You know that God loves you. Many of you, you embrace God loves you. Many of you, you embrace God loves you. Many of you, you embrace the love of God.

the love of God. the love of God. But maybe you're living without the But maybe you're living without the But maybe you're living without the power of God. power of God. power of God. Some of you right now are like, Some of you right now are like, Some of you right now are like, literally, "Okay, I'm saved, and okay, literally, "Okay, I'm saved, and okay, literally, "Okay, I'm saved, and okay, now what?" Don't No, THE SAME POWER now what?" Don't No, THE SAME POWER now what?" Don't No, THE SAME POWER THAT RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD, THE THAT RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD, THE THAT RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THAT same spirit dwells HOLY SPIRIT, THAT same spirit dwells HOLY SPIRIT, THAT same spirit dwells within you if you're a follower of the within you if you're a follower of the within you if you're a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. AND SO, YES, GOD'S Lord Jesus Christ. AND SO, YES, GOD'S Lord Jesus Christ. AND SO, YES, GOD'S love secures you, love secures you, love secures you, BUT GOD'S POWER STRENGTHENS YOU AND BUT GOD'S POWER STRENGTHENS YOU AND BUT GOD'S POWER STRENGTHENS YOU AND transforms you to live with victory, transforms you to live with victory, transforms you to live with victory, overcoming in the last days. overcoming in the last days. overcoming in the last days. Don't just enjoy the love of God. Yes, Don't just enjoy the love of God. Yes, Don't just enjoy the love of God. Yes, enjoy it, embrace it, BUT TAP INTO THE enjoy it, embrace it, BUT TAP INTO THE enjoy it, embrace it, BUT TAP INTO THE POWER OF THE living God that will help POWER OF THE living God that will help POWER OF THE living God that will help you overcome the temptations of this you overcome the temptations of this you overcome the temptations of this world and defeat darkness. God doesn't world and defeat darkness. God doesn't world and defeat darkness. God doesn't just love you, but his gospel comes with just love you, but his gospel comes with just love you, but his gospel comes with power. So, you can see what Paul's power. So, you can see what Paul's power. So, you can see what Paul's doing. He's like, "Okay, hey, here's doing. He's like, "Okay, hey, here's doing. He's like, "Okay, hey, here's some new believers and they're afraid. some new believers and they're afraid. some new believers and they're afraid. Don't forget God loves you. And there's Don't forget God loves you. And there's Don't forget God loves you. And there's power." And then he actually gets very power." And then he actually gets very power." And then he actually gets very direct in teaching. And I'm going to direct in teaching. And I'm going to direct in teaching. And I'm going to show you and summarize what he taught, show you and summarize what he taught, show you and summarize what he taught, three ways believers live ready in the three ways believers live ready in the three ways believers live ready in the last days. So, are we living in the last last days. So, are we living in the last last days. So, are we living in the last days? Yes or no? The The is yes, we are.

days? Yes or no? The The is yes, we are. days? Yes or no? The The is yes, we are. We're living in the last days. So, how We're living in the last days. So, how We're living in the last days. So, how do we as followers of Jesus live ready do we as followers of Jesus live ready do we as followers of Jesus live ready in the last days? We're going to do in the last days? We're going to do in the last days? We're going to do three things. We're going to turn, three things. We're going to turn, three things. We're going to turn, we will serve, and we wait. Let's all we will serve, and we wait. Let's all we will serve, and we wait. Let's all say this aloud. What do we do? We turn, say this aloud. What do we do? We turn, say this aloud. What do we do? We turn, we serve, we wait. I need some people in we serve, we wait. I need some people in we serve, we wait. I need some people in in Albany. I need some people in in Albany. I need some people in in Albany. I need some people in Southern Florida. I need some people in Southern Florida. I need some people in Southern Florida. I need some people in Kansas. Everybody say it aloud. What do Kansas. Everybody say it aloud. What do Kansas. Everybody say it aloud. What do we do? We're going to we turn, we serve, we do? We're going to we turn, we serve, we do? We're going to we turn, we serve, and we wait. The first thing we do is we and we wait. The first thing we do is we and we wait. The first thing we do is we turn. What do we turn from and turn to? turn. What do we turn from and turn to? turn. What do we turn from and turn to? Paul's going to teach us that we turn Paul's going to teach us that we turn Paul's going to teach us that we turn from idols that deceive us from idols that deceive us from idols that deceive us to the God who saves. We're going to to the God who saves. We're going to to the God who saves. We're going to turn from the idols that deceive us to turn from the idols that deceive us to turn from the idols that deceive us to the God who saves. And we're going to the God who saves. And we're going to the God who saves. And we're going to look at 1 Thessalonians 1:9. We're going look at 1 Thessalonians 1:9. We're going look at 1 Thessalonians 1:9. We're going to look at it a few times. He says this, to look at it a few times. He says this, to look at it a few times. He says this, "They" and the they is other believers "They" and the they is other believers "They" and the they is other believers in the region, these other Christians, in the region, these other Christians, in the region, these other Christians, they tell us they tell us they tell us how you turned to God how you turned to God how you turned to God from idols. They tell us how you turned from idols. They tell us how you turned from idols. They tell us how you turned to God from idols. What does it mean to to God from idols. What does it mean to to God from idols. What does it mean to turn to God from idols? Well, turn to God from idols? Well, turn to God from idols? Well, Thessalonica was a very pagan culture.

Thessalonica was a very pagan culture. Thessalonica was a very pagan culture. They worshiped all sorts of false gods. They worshiped all sorts of false gods. They worshiped all sorts of false gods. Some of them worshiped Greek gods like Some of them worshiped Greek gods like Some of them worshiped Greek gods like Zeus and Apollo and Artemus. Others, Zeus and Apollo and Artemus. Others, Zeus and Apollo and Artemus. Others, believe it or not, they worshiped Caesar believe it or not, they worshiped Caesar believe it or not, they worshiped Caesar and called him Lord. Now, I'm thankful and called him Lord. Now, I'm thankful and called him Lord. Now, I'm thankful that we live in a time where people that we live in a time where people that we live in a time where people wouldn't worship politicians. wouldn't worship politicians. wouldn't worship politicians. Just saying. And I'm talking both sides Just saying. And I'm talking both sides Just saying. And I'm talking both sides here. So, if you I'm trying to offend here. So, if you I'm trying to offend here. So, if you I'm trying to offend all of you. So, don't you think I'm all of you. So, don't you think I'm all of you. So, don't you think I'm picking on one of you, okay? Like, I'm picking on one of you, okay? Like, I'm picking on one of you, okay? Like, I'm just thankful that it's not like that. just thankful that it's not like that. just thankful that it's not like that. Now, can I can I have a little bit of Now, can I can I have a little bit of Now, can I can I have a little bit of fun with you? fun with you? fun with you? Okay, half of you, great. The rest of Okay, half of you, great. The rest of Okay, half of you, great. The rest of you can just sit there like a stick in you can just sit there like a stick in you can just sit there like a stick in the mud, okay? They they would they the mud, okay? They they would they the mud, okay? They they would they would literally would worship Caesar and would literally would worship Caesar and would literally would worship Caesar and call him Lord. They they had these call him Lord. They they had these call him Lord. They they had these household idols that they'd worship as household idols that they'd worship as household idols that they'd worship as well, these kind of small like carved um well, these kind of small like carved um well, these kind of small like carved um little little creatures or or things and little little creatures or or things and little little creatures or or things and they thought that these things would they thought that these things would they thought that these things would protect them from evil. They thought protect them from evil. They thought protect them from evil. They thought they sometimes they would help them be they sometimes they would help them be they sometimes they would help them be more productive. more productive. more productive. We didn't have them but some people We didn't have them but some people We didn't have them but some people might think we did because we had six might think we did because we had six might think we did because we had six kids. They thought that they would give kids. They thought that they would give kids. They thought that they would give them financial blessings and so turning them financial blessings and so turning them financial blessings and so turning to Jesus meant rejecting to Jesus meant rejecting to Jesus meant rejecting the popular idols, turning away from the the popular idols, turning away from the the popular idols, turning away from the idols that brought them perceived status idols that brought them perceived status idols that brought them perceived status or perceived comfort or perceived or perceived comfort or perceived or perceived comfort or perceived security. They turned away and it was security. They turned away and it was security. They turned away and it was costly because they were rejecting what costly because they were rejecting what costly because they were rejecting what everyone else embraced and accepted. It everyone else embraced and accepted. It everyone else embraced and accepted. It was costly was costly was costly but it was clear.

but it was clear. but it was clear. They were committing that Jesus was Lord They were committing that Jesus was Lord They were committing that Jesus was Lord and they would serve him only. and they would serve him only. and they would serve him only. And when they made that turn, everyone And when they made that turn, everyone And when they made that turn, everyone knew it. These people, they belong to knew it. These people, they belong to knew it. These people, they belong to Jesus. It wasn't like maybe where you Jesus. It wasn't like maybe where you Jesus. It wasn't like maybe where you live where you work somewhere for six live where you work somewhere for six live where you work somewhere for six years and someone said, "Oh, you you go years and someone said, "Oh, you you go years and someone said, "Oh, you you go to church? I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE a to church? I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE a to church? I DIDN'T KNOW YOU WERE a Christian." Christian." Christian." There was none of that. It's like, "We There was none of that. It's like, "We There was none of that. It's like, "We have turned away from culture, from have turned away from culture, from have turned away from culture, from these deceptive idols, and we have these deceptive idols, and we have these deceptive idols, and we have turned completely to the Lord our God." turned completely to the Lord our God." turned completely to the Lord our God." Now, the good news is most of you Now, the good news is most of you Now, the good news is most of you probably don't worship Zeus or Caesar. probably don't worship Zeus or Caesar. probably don't worship Zeus or Caesar. But pretty much all of us battle with But pretty much all of us battle with But pretty much all of us battle with idolatry. We we all have idols in our idolatry. We we all have idols in our idolatry. We we all have idols in our life. You may say like what is exactly life. You may say like what is exactly life. You may say like what is exactly an idol? Well, an idol is anything you an idol? Well, an idol is anything you an idol? Well, an idol is anything you put in God's place. put in God's place. put in God's place. An idol is anything that you ask to do An idol is anything that you ask to do An idol is anything that you ask to do what only God can do. It's replacing God what only God can do. It's replacing God what only God can do. It's replacing God with something else. And what do many of with something else. And what do many of with something else. And what do many of us idolize? Um some idolize success, us idolize? Um some idolize success, us idolize? Um some idolize success, right? I mean it's the endless hustle.

right? I mean it's the endless hustle. right? I mean it's the endless hustle. We're going to climb the ladder and We're going to climb the ladder and We're going to climb the ladder and we're going to get ahead. We're going to we're going to get ahead. We're going to we're going to get ahead. We're going to build our brand, we're going to make a build our brand, we're going to make a build our brand, we're going to make a name for ourselves. Um name for ourselves. Um name for ourselves. Um and why do we do this? Most of you do and why do we do this? Most of you do and why do we do this? Most of you do this because you believe your worth is this because you believe your worth is this because you believe your worth is directly tied to what you produce. directly tied to what you produce. directly tied to what you produce. You believe that your value is based on You believe that your value is based on You believe that your value is based on what you do. what you do. what you do. And the good news is I would personally And the good news is I would personally And the good news is I would personally never battle with that. never battle with that. never battle with that. Guilty as charged. Guilty as charged. Guilty as charged. I I I I want to be I I I I want to be I I I I want to be productive so that I'd be feel valuable. productive so that I'd be feel valuable. productive so that I'd be feel valuable. And we idolize success. Um some people And we idolize success. Um some people And we idolize success. Um some people idolize like pleasure and comfort and idolize like pleasure and comfort and idolize like pleasure and comfort and money and things and and and it just money and things and and and it just money and things and and and it just society rewards like we work hard so you society rewards like we work hard so you society rewards like we work hard so you deserve some luxury. You deserve the deserve some luxury. You deserve the deserve some luxury. You deserve the good things in life and so I MEAN WE good things in life and so I MEAN WE good things in life and so I MEAN WE WANT A bigger house and we want a newer WANT A bigger house and we want a newer WANT A bigger house and we want a newer car we want the dream vacation and and car we want the dream vacation and and car we want the dream vacation and and there's nothing wrong with that at all there's nothing wrong with that at all there's nothing wrong with that at all until it takes the place of God. And until it takes the place of God. And until it takes the place of God. And then one day essentially for some people then one day essentially for some people then one day essentially for some people their goal is their goal is their goal is let me say it this way, to build bigger let me say it this way, to build bigger let me say it this way, to build bigger barns and bigger barns and take life barns and bigger barns and take life barns and bigger barns and take life easy and eat and drink and be merry.

easy and eat and drink and be merry. easy and eat and drink and be merry. And if you don't know what I'm talking And if you don't know what I'm talking And if you don't know what I'm talking about there's actually a parable where about there's actually a parable where about there's actually a parable where Jesus says it doesn't go good for people Jesus says it doesn't go good for people Jesus says it doesn't go good for people who do that. who do that. who do that. It's the essence of what he said. Um It's the essence of what he said. Um It's the essence of what he said. Um some people idolize relationships. I some people idolize relationships. I some people idolize relationships. I mean like it's all about getting mean like it's all about getting mean like it's all about getting married. I need me a I need me a wife. I married. I need me a I need me a wife. I married. I need me a I need me a wife. I need me a man and until then need me a man and until then need me a man and until then [clears throat] like nothing matters. [clears throat] like nothing matters. [clears throat] like nothing matters. And then you get married and you have And then you get married and you have And then you get married and you have kids and what happens is I mean I'm kids and what happens is I mean I'm kids and what happens is I mean I'm talking directly to some of you. You talking directly to some of you. You talking directly to some of you. You literally idolize your kids above literally idolize your kids above literally idolize your kids above anything else. Scripture teaches he's anything else. Scripture teaches he's anything else. Scripture teaches he's supposed to be first but he gets cut out supposed to be first but he gets cut out supposed to be first but he gets cut out for your kids every single week. for your kids every single week. for your kids every single week. Your marriage gets cut out for your kids Your marriage gets cut out for your kids Your marriage gets cut out for your kids every single week. Do you want to know every single week. Do you want to know every single week. Do you want to know how to raise godly kids? Serve God have how to raise godly kids? Serve God have how to raise godly kids? Serve God have a godly marriage and that produces godly a godly marriage and that produces godly a godly marriage and that produces godly kids better than centering your life kids better than centering your life kids better than centering your life around your kids which just makes them around your kids which just makes them around your kids which just makes them spoiled. spoiled. spoiled. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> That's another sermon I don't know how >> That's another sermon I don't know how >> That's another sermon I don't know how you got me off on that but it's true. you got me off on that but it's true. you got me off on that but it's true. Some of you idolize your kids and it's Some of you idolize your kids and it's Some of you idolize your kids and it's It's good for your kids. They are not It's good for your kids. They are not It's good for your kids. They are not God. Don't treat them like that. Serve God. Don't treat them like that. Serve God. Don't treat them like that. Serve God, bring your kids into the family of God, bring your kids into the family of God, bring your kids into the family of God. Let God work on your kids. That's God. Let God work on your kids. That's God. Let God work on your kids. That's how you have godly kids. Uh some of us, how you have godly kids. Uh some of us, how you have godly kids. Uh some of us, we just idolize what people think about we just idolize what people think about we just idolize what people think about us.

us. us. It's all about the image. Because if we It's all about the image. Because if we It's all about the image. Because if we were really pushed to it, we would say, were really pushed to it, we would say, were really pushed to it, we would say, I mean, like by the way we live, I mean, like by the way we live, I mean, like by the way we live, what people think about us might what people think about us might what people think about us might actually be more important than what God actually be more important than what God actually be more important than what God thinks about us. thinks about us. thinks about us. And then there's a lot of people in our And then there's a lot of people in our And then there's a lot of people in our culture today they just you just idolize culture today they just you just idolize culture today they just you just idolize yourself. yourself. yourself. It's your body, your life, live your It's your body, your life, live your It's your body, your life, live your way, live your truth, you first, your way, live your truth, you first, your way, live your truth, you first, your happiness matters most. happiness matters most. happiness matters most. And this is a far cry from what we're And this is a far cry from what we're And this is a far cry from what we're called to do as Jesus followers. Paul called to do as Jesus followers. Paul called to do as Jesus followers. Paul says, "In the last days, you're going to says, "In the last days, you're going to says, "In the last days, you're going to see this kind of stuff." see this kind of stuff." see this kind of stuff." You're going to see people idolizing You're going to see people idolizing You're going to see people idolizing the sinful things of this fallen world the sinful things of this fallen world the sinful things of this fallen world instead of being truly submitted to the instead of being truly submitted to the instead of being truly submitted to the king of all kings and lord of all lords. king of all kings and lord of all lords. king of all kings and lord of all lords. And this is what Paul said. I want I And this is what Paul said. I want I And this is what Paul said. I want I want to show you what he said about the want to show you what he said about the want to show you what he said about the last days and see if you recognize any last days and see if you recognize any last days and see if you recognize any of this in the world today. He said, of this in the world today. He said, of this in the world today. He said, "Second Timothy 3:1, he said, 'Mark "Second Timothy 3:1, he said, 'Mark "Second Timothy 3:1, he said, 'Mark this, this, this, there'll be terrible times in the last there'll be terrible times in the last there'll be terrible times in the last days. days. days. People will be lovers of themselves. People will be lovers of themselves. People will be lovers of themselves. Check.

Check. Check. Lovers of money. Lovers of money. Lovers of money. Check. Boastful. Check. Proud. Check. Check. Boastful. Check. Proud. Check. Check. Boastful. Check. Proud. Check. Abusive. Unfortunately, check. Abusive. Unfortunately, check. Abusive. Unfortunately, check. Disobedient to parents. Disobedient to parents. Disobedient to parents. Check. Ungrateful. Unholy. Without love. Check. Ungrateful. Unholy. Without love. Check. Ungrateful. Unholy. Without love. Unforgiving. Unforgiving. Unforgiving. Lovers of pleasure Lovers of pleasure Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. rather than lovers of God. rather than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness Having a form of godliness Having a form of godliness but denying its power. but denying its power. but denying its power. Paul says, "Have nothing to do Paul says, "Have nothing to do Paul says, "Have nothing to do with such people." with such people." with such people." In the last days, we're going to have to In the last days, we're going to have to In the last days, we're going to have to make a cautious choice make a cautious choice make a cautious choice to turn away from the lower things of to turn away from the lower things of to turn away from the lower things of this world and turn to the truth of this world and turn to the truth of this world and turn to the truth of God's word. That the biblical word is God's word. That the biblical word is God's word. That the biblical word is repent. Re means to turn. Pent is that repent. Re means to turn. Pent is that repent. Re means to turn. Pent is that which is the highest. Repent. Turn. In which is the highest. Repent. Turn. In which is the highest. Repent. Turn. In fact, for some of you, your one fact, for some of you, your one fact, for some of you, your one assignment is to turn in the right assignment is to turn in the right assignment is to turn in the right direction. direction. direction. Turn away from the lower things that are Turn away from the lower things that are Turn away from the lower things that are distracting YOU FROM THE HIGHER THINGS distracting YOU FROM THE HIGHER THINGS distracting YOU FROM THE HIGHER THINGS OF THE KINGDOM of God and turn toward OF THE KINGDOM of God and turn toward OF THE KINGDOM of God and turn toward them. And the problem is today, it's them. And the problem is today, it's them. And the problem is today, it's very common and very acceptable to have very common and very acceptable to have very common and very acceptable to have one foot in the church and one foot in one foot in the church and one foot in one foot in the church and one foot in the world.

the world. the world. You're essentially split. You're essentially split. You're essentially split. And what do you do? You turn away from And what do you do? You turn away from And what do you do? You turn away from the things of the world. You turn to the the things of the world. You turn to the the things of the world. You turn to the things of God. You turn away from things of God. You turn away from things of God. You turn away from selfishness and turn to God. You turn selfishness and turn to God. You turn selfishness and turn to God. You turn away from pride and turn to God. You away from pride and turn to God. You away from pride and turn to God. You turn away from entitlement and you turn turn away from entitlement and you turn turn away from entitlement and you turn to God. You turn away from the sins of to God. You turn away from the sins of to God. You turn away from the sins of the world and you turn toward God. the world and you turn toward God. the world and you turn toward God. Somebody say, "I'm turning." Somebody say, "I'm turning." Somebody say, "I'm turning." What What are we doing? We turn What What are we doing? We turn What What are we doing? We turn and then we serve. and then we serve. and then we serve. Paul says this, "Not Not only do we Paul says this, "Not Not only do we Paul says this, "Not Not only do we turn, but we serve the living God, NOT turn, but we serve the living God, NOT turn, but we serve the living God, NOT DEAD IDOLS." DEAD IDOLS." DEAD IDOLS." WE TURN and we serve the living God, not WE TURN and we serve the living God, not WE TURN and we serve the living God, not dead idols. 1 Thessalonians 1:9. Again, dead idols. 1 Thessalonians 1:9. Again, dead idols. 1 Thessalonians 1:9. Again, we'll look at a little more of it. He we'll look at a little more of it. He we'll look at a little more of it. He said, "They tell us how you turned to said, "They tell us how you turned to said, "They tell us how you turned to God from idols." Why did you turn? The God from idols." Why did you turn? The God from idols." Why did you turn? The reason you turned is to serve the living reason you turned is to serve the living reason you turned is to serve the living and true God. and true God. and true God. You turn from the dead idols to the You turn from the dead idols to the You turn from the dead idols to the living and the true [clears throat] God. living and the true [clears throat] God. living and the true [clears throat] God. Paul doesn't just say, "Turn." But turn Paul doesn't just say, "Turn." But turn Paul doesn't just say, "Turn." But turn and serve. And who do you serve? You and serve. And who do you serve? You and serve. And who do you serve? You serve the living God.

serve the living God. serve the living God. What's the problem with idols? A lot of What's the problem with idols? A lot of What's the problem with idols? A lot of things. First of all, they're lifeless. things. First of all, they're lifeless. things. First of all, they're lifeless. They're dead. They're dead. They're dead. They're deceptive. They're deceptive. They're deceptive. They They promise freedom, They They promise freedom, They They promise freedom, but they enslave us. but they enslave us. but they enslave us. They promise happiness, don't they? They promise happiness, don't they? They promise happiness, don't they? EVERY ADVERTISE IF YOU GET IT, YOU'LL BE EVERY ADVERTISE IF YOU GET IT, YOU'LL BE EVERY ADVERTISE IF YOU GET IT, YOU'LL BE HAPPY. HAPPY. HAPPY. AND YOU GET IT AND YOU'RE STILL EMPTY. AND YOU GET IT AND YOU'RE STILL EMPTY. AND YOU GET IT AND YOU'RE STILL EMPTY. They're dead. They're dead. They're dead. But our God is alive. But our God is alive. But our God is alive. His word is alive. It's living, it's His word is alive. It's living, it's His word is alive. It's living, it's active, it's powerful. Our God is active, it's powerful. Our God is active, it's powerful. Our God is living. He He hears your prayers. Our living. He He hears your prayers. Our living. He He hears your prayers. Our God moves. Our God SAVES. OUR GOD IS God moves. Our God SAVES. OUR GOD IS God moves. Our God SAVES. OUR GOD IS POWERFUL. SO, WHAT DO YOU DO? You turn POWERFUL. SO, WHAT DO YOU DO? You turn POWERFUL. SO, WHAT DO YOU DO? You turn from sin to God to serve. Now, watch from sin to God to serve. Now, watch from sin to God to serve. Now, watch this. this. this. Turning to God to save you Turning to God to save you Turning to God to save you that happens one time. that happens one time. that happens one time. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> You repent of your sins and then you >> You repent of your sins and then you >> You repent of your sins and then you call on Jesus and he hears the cries of call on Jesus and he hears the cries of call on Jesus and he hears the cries of your heart and he makes you brand new.

your heart and he makes you brand new. your heart and he makes you brand new. He separates your sins FROM YOU AS FAR He separates your sins FROM YOU AS FAR He separates your sins FROM YOU AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. YOU BECOME AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. YOU BECOME AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. YOU BECOME a brand new creation. The old is gone a brand new creation. The old is gone a brand new creation. The old is gone and the new is there. Turning to God to and the new is there. Turning to God to and the new is there. Turning to God to save you happens once, but serving God save you happens once, but serving God save you happens once, but serving God happens daily. happens daily. happens daily. It's daily. It's an everyday, every It's daily. It's an everyday, every It's daily. It's an everyday, every moment, God, I'm here. I want to serve moment, God, I'm here. I want to serve moment, God, I'm here. I want to serve you. In fact, the word serve in the text you. In fact, the word serve in the text you. In fact, the word serve in the text comes in the Greek word douleuo. And And comes in the Greek word douleuo. And And comes in the Greek word douleuo. And And this word means this. It means to serve this word means this. It means to serve this word means this. It means to serve with complete loyalty. with complete loyalty. with complete loyalty. It means putting the will of another It means putting the will of another It means putting the will of another above your own. above your own. above your own. Our mission at Life Church is to lead Our mission at Life Church is to lead Our mission at Life Church is to lead people to become fully devoted followers people to become fully devoted followers people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. It's to serve with complete of Christ. It's to serve with complete of Christ. It's to serve with complete loyalty, with our whole heart, with to loyalty, with our whole heart, with to loyalty, with our whole heart, with to to love God with our whole heart, mind, to love God with our whole heart, mind, to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, to put the will of soul, and strength, to put the will of soul, and strength, to put the will of another ahead of our own will. This is another ahead of our own will. This is another ahead of our own will. This is to serve. It's not like this is what I to serve. It's not like this is what I to serve. It's not like this is what I want, it's got want, it's got want, it's got I want what you want. It's more than a I want what you want. It's more than a I want what you want. It's more than a Sunday religion. It's a daily surrender.

Sunday religion. It's a daily surrender. Sunday religion. It's a daily surrender. It's not, God, bless my agenda. It's, It's not, God, bless my agenda. It's, It's not, God, bless my agenda. It's, God, I surrender my agenda to you. Your God, I surrender my agenda to you. Your God, I surrender my agenda to you. Your will be done on earth through my life as will be done on earth through my life as will be done on earth through my life as it is in heaven. I exist to serve you. So, I want I want to just talk to So, I want I want to just talk to somebody who's kind of on the fence. somebody who's kind of on the fence. somebody who's kind of on the fence. I want to talk to somebody who's I want to talk to somebody who's I want to talk to somebody who's just a little bit straddled. just a little bit straddled. just a little bit straddled. I want to tell you, now is the time to I want to tell you, now is the time to I want to tell you, now is the time to serve the one who loves you. serve the one who loves you. serve the one who loves you. Now is the time to serve the one who Now is the time to serve the one who Now is the time to serve the one who gives you power. Now is the time to gives you power. Now is the time to gives you power. Now is the time to serve the one who saved you. Now is the serve the one who saved you. Now is the serve the one who saved you. Now is the time to serve the one who's worthy of time to serve the one who's worthy of time to serve the one who's worthy of all your praise. Not now, this moment, all your praise. Not now, this moment, all your praise. Not now, this moment, today, right now, not tomorrow, not today, right now, not tomorrow, not today, right now, not tomorrow, not later, not when you get around to it, later, not when you get around to it, later, not when you get around to it, not when you get older, not when you get not when you get older, not when you get not when you get older, not when you get married, not when your kids get Not Not married, not when your kids get Not Not married, not when your kids get Not Not another season like now is the time to another season like now is the time to another season like now is the time to serve the one who is coming again. serve the one who is coming again. serve the one who is coming again. And so, And so, And so, living in the end times, living in the end times, living in the end times, we turn and we serve and we wait and we we turn and we serve and we wait and we we turn and we serve and we wait and we turn and we serve and we wait and we're turn and we serve and we wait and we're turn and we serve and we wait and we're prayerful and we turn and we serve and prayerful and we turn and we serve and prayerful and we turn and we serve and we wait. Well, what does it mean to we wait. Well, what does it mean to we wait. Well, what does it mean to wait?

wait? wait? Well, Paul teaches us this is how we Well, Paul teaches us this is how we Well, Paul teaches us this is how we wait. wait. wait. We wait actively We wait actively We wait actively preparing for the return of Christ. preparing for the return of Christ. preparing for the return of Christ. We We wait actively preparing for the We We wait actively preparing for the We We wait actively preparing for the return of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 return of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 return of Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 and 10, continuing, he says, "They tell and 10, continuing, he says, "They tell and 10, continuing, he says, "They tell you They They tell how you turned from you They They tell how you turned from you They They tell how you turned from God to idols to serve the living and God to idols to serve the living and God to idols to serve the living and true God true God true God and to wait and to wait and to wait He's coming back. We're living in the He's coming back. We're living in the He's coming back. We're living in the last days. And to wait for his son from last days. And to wait for his son from last days. And to wait for his son from heaven, heaven, heaven, whom God raised from the dead." What's whom God raised from the dead." What's whom God raised from the dead." What's his name? Jesus. He is the one who his name? Jesus. He is the one who his name? Jesus. He is the one who rescues us from the coming wrath. We rescues us from the coming wrath. We rescues us from the coming wrath. We wait for the son from heaven, who God wait for the son from heaven, who God wait for the son from heaven, who God raised from the dead. The king, the raised from the dead. The king, the raised from the dead. The king, the savior, who rescues us from wrath. savior, who rescues us from wrath. savior, who rescues us from wrath. Waiting Waiting Waiting doesn't mean doing nothing. doesn't mean doing nothing. doesn't mean doing nothing. Waiting Waiting Waiting doesn't mean wasting time. Uh there's a doesn't mean wasting time. Uh there's a doesn't mean wasting time. Uh there's a Greek word that's translated as waiting, Greek word that's translated as waiting, Greek word that's translated as waiting, and I'm going to spell it for you and I'm going to spell it for you and I'm going to spell it for you because it's really hard to say.

because it's really hard to say. because it's really hard to say. It's spelled a n a m e n e i n and it's It's spelled a n a m e n e i n and it's It's spelled a n a m e n e i n and it's from two root words, anna, which means from two root words, anna, which means from two root words, anna, which means again again again and intensely. So, again and again and and intensely. So, again and again and and intensely. So, again and again and again and it's very intense from the again and it's very intense from the again and it's very intense from the deepest part of your being and the deepest part of your being and the deepest part of your being and the second word, you actually see this word second word, you actually see this word second word, you actually see this word 11 different times in John 15. If you 11 different times in John 15. If you 11 different times in John 15. If you remember John 15, Jesus said remain in remember John 15, Jesus said remain in remember John 15, Jesus said remain in me, abide in me, remain in me, abide in me, abide in me, remain in me, abide in me, abide in me, remain in me, abide in me, remain in me, abide in me 11 me, remain in me, abide in me 11 me, remain in me, abide in me 11 different times you see it and this word different times you see it and this word different times you see it and this word means to remain, to stay and to abide. means to remain, to stay and to abide. means to remain, to stay and to abide. So, wait literally translated as you put So, wait literally translated as you put So, wait literally translated as you put these two together means to wait these two together means to wait these two together means to wait actively and faithfully with great actively and faithfully with great actively and faithfully with great expectation. How do you wait? Actively expectation. How do you wait? Actively expectation. How do you wait? Actively and faithfully and faithfully and faithfully with great expectation. with great expectation. with great expectation. How do you wait? We're living in the How do you wait? We're living in the How do you wait? We're living in the last days and Jesus is returning soon. last days and Jesus is returning soon. last days and Jesus is returning soon. You wait actively and faithfully with You wait actively and faithfully with You wait actively and faithfully with great expectation. You wake up and say, great expectation. You wake up and say, great expectation. You wake up and say, "Today could be the day. "Today could be the day. "Today could be the day. I better be loving people today. I I better be loving people today. I I better be loving people today. I better be found serving Jesus today. I better be found serving Jesus today. I better be found serving Jesus today. I better be a bright light today. I better better be a bright light today. I better better be a bright light today. I better be not lost in the things of the world be not lost in the things of the world be not lost in the things of the world but but but but my heart drifts toward but but but but my heart drifts toward but but but but my heart drifts toward the kingdom of God today. I'm waiting the kingdom of God today. I'm waiting the kingdom of God today. I'm waiting actively and [laughter] and and actively and [laughter] and and actively and [laughter] and and faithfully and believing that he could faithfully and believing that he could faithfully and believing that he could even come today."

even come today." even come today." I lived this way I lived this way I lived this way in 1988. in 1988. in 1988. 1988, 1988, 1988, I was a brand new Christian. Brand new, I was a brand new Christian. Brand new, I was a brand new Christian. Brand new, like brand new, like the Thessalonians like brand new, like the Thessalonians like brand new, like the Thessalonians brand new. brand new. brand new. And there was a book somebody wrote in And there was a book somebody wrote in And there was a book somebody wrote in 1988 called 88 reasons why the rapture 1988 called 88 reasons why the rapture 1988 called 88 reasons why the rapture would take place in 1988. would take place in 1988. would take place in 1988. I found a copy online. I I'm going to I found a copy online. I I'm going to I found a copy online. I I'm going to just shoot straight with you. I don't just shoot straight with you. I don't just shoot straight with you. I don't think I read the book. think I read the book. think I read the book. I just heard the title. I just heard the title. I just heard the title. 88 reasons why the rapture will take 88 reasons why the rapture will take 88 reasons why the rapture will take place in 88. I figured if there's 88, place in 88. I figured if there's 88, place in 88. I figured if there's 88, that's enough to be ready. that's enough to be ready. that's enough to be ready. And he's coming back. And so, every And he's coming back. And so, every And he's coming back. And so, every single day I was I was brand new single day I was I was brand new single day I was I was brand new Christian. I'm waiting, I'm active, all Christian. I'm waiting, I'm active, all Christian. I'm waiting, I'm active, all this kind of stuff. I'd be walking along this kind of stuff. I'd be walking along this kind of stuff. I'd be walking along with my new Christian friend. We're with my new Christian friend. We're with my new Christian friend. We're walking along. Jesus could be coming walking along. Jesus could be coming walking along. Jesus could be coming back. He could be coming back soon. back. He could be coming back soon. back. He could be coming back soon. There'd be a tree right here. My friend There'd be a tree right here. My friend There'd be a tree right here. My friend is there. He could be coming back. I'd is there. He could be coming back. I'd is there. He could be coming back. I'd jump behind the tree. I tried to make him think there was a I tried to make him think there was a rapture. Where'd Craig go? My My roommate, I I Where'd Craig go? My My roommate, I I one morning his alarm would always go one morning his alarm would always go one morning his alarm would always go off at 7:00 a.m. And so at 6:58, I just off at 7:00 a.m. And so at 6:58, I just off at 7:00 a.m. And so at 6:58, I just rolled over to the other side of the rolled over to the other side of the rolled over to the other side of the bed. I took all my clothes off. I got my bed. I took all my clothes off. I got my bed. I took all my clothes off. I got my t-shirt, I got my shorts massage. I just t-shirt, I got my shorts massage. I just t-shirt, I got my shorts massage. I just put them all there. His alarm goes off.

put them all there. His alarm goes off. put them all there. His alarm goes off. He looks over and he goes, "You're He looks over and he goes, "You're He looks over and he goes, "You're dumb." That dumb." That dumb." That didn't work. But that's what we were didn't work. But that's what we were didn't work. But that's what we were doing. Why? Because Jesus could come doing. Why? Because Jesus could come doing. Why? Because Jesus could come back at any time. And now back at any time. And now back at any time. And now that I'm much older that I'm much older that I'm much older and slightly more mature, and slightly more mature, and slightly more mature, I'm actually working to bring this to I'm actually working to bring this to I'm actually working to bring this to the front of my mind again. the front of my mind again. the front of my mind again. That we're living in the last days. That we're living in the last days. That we're living in the last days. I mean, even if the last days are like I mean, even if the last days are like I mean, even if the last days are like he comes back next week or or in our he comes back next week or or in our he comes back next week or or in our lifetime or even after our lifetime, lifetime or even after our lifetime, lifetime or even after our lifetime, I've only got so many days left to serve I've only got so many days left to serve I've only got so many days left to serve him. him. him. Time is really, really short. Time is really, really short. Time is really, really short. And so what I'm doing is I'm asking And so what I'm doing is I'm asking And so what I'm doing is I'm asking myself, and I've been working on this myself, and I've been working on this myself, and I've been working on this series about maybe 6 weeks. I'm asking series about maybe 6 weeks. I'm asking series about maybe 6 weeks. I'm asking myself um four different questions. And myself um four different questions. And myself um four different questions. And in our life groups this week, what I'd in our life groups this week, what I'd in our life groups this week, what I'd like for you to do is I'd like for you like for you to do is I'd like for you like for you to do is I'd like for you to work through these questions to work through these questions to work through these questions together. And have I said how important together. And have I said how important together. And have I said how important it is to be in life group? I can't it is to be in life group? I can't it is to be in life group? I can't remember if I've mentioned that remember if I've mentioned that remember if I've mentioned that recently, but we just we don't do life recently, but we just we don't do life recently, but we just we don't do life alone. We are the family of God, and alone. We are the family of God, and alone. We are the family of God, and iron sharpens iron. We love one another, iron sharpens iron. We love one another, iron sharpens iron. We love one another, we serve one another. If you're not in a we serve one another. If you're not in a we serve one another. If you're not in a life group yet, now's the time to get in life group yet, now's the time to get in life group yet, now's the time to get in community. We're going to ask these community. We're going to ask these community. We're going to ask these questions. We're going to ask these four questions. We're going to ask these four questions. We're going to ask these four questions. Have I forgiven those who questions. Have I forgiven those who questions. Have I forgiven those who hurt me?

hurt me? hurt me? We're going to ask, have I shared my We're going to ask, have I shared my We're going to ask, have I shared my faith with those who need Jesus? We're faith with those who need Jesus? We're faith with those who need Jesus? We're going to ask, am I more focused on this going to ask, am I more focused on this going to ask, am I more focused on this world than on eternity? And we're going world than on eternity? And we're going world than on eternity? And we're going to ask, am I trusting in God's grace to ask, am I trusting in God's grace to ask, am I trusting in God's grace alone to save me? Let's talk these alone to save me? Let's talk these alone to save me? Let's talk these through through through one by one. The first question we're one by one. The first question we're one by one. The first question we're going to ask is, have I forgiven those going to ask is, have I forgiven those going to ask is, have I forgiven those who hurt me? who hurt me? who hurt me? I asked myself that question, I asked myself that question, I asked myself that question, and there was a name or two that came to and there was a name or two that came to and there was a name or two that came to mind that I thought, I better take this mind that I thought, I better take this mind that I thought, I better take this thing seriously. thing seriously. thing seriously. Because I've been hurt. Because I've been hurt. Because I've been hurt. And maybe I was holding a grudge. And maybe I was holding a grudge. And maybe I was holding a grudge. And why is it important to forgive if And why is it important to forgive if And why is it important to forgive if Jesus is coming back soon? Jesus is coming back soon? Jesus is coming back soon? Because this is what Jesus said. Jesus Because this is what Jesus said. Jesus Because this is what Jesus said. Jesus said, "For if you forgive other people said, "For if you forgive other people said, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, when they sin against you, when they sin against you, he said your heavenly father will also he said your heavenly father will also he said your heavenly father will also forgive you." forgive you." forgive you." >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Then Jesus said something very, very >> Then Jesus said something very, very >> Then Jesus said something very, very sobering. He said this, "But if you do sobering. He said this, "But if you do sobering. He said this, "But if you do not forgive others their sins, not forgive others their sins, not forgive others their sins, your father will not forgive your sins." your father will not forgive your sins." your father will not forgive your sins." I know there's real hurts, significant I know there's real hurts, significant I know there's real hurts, significant hurts, big betra- betrayals some of hurts, big betra- betrayals some of hurts, big betra- betrayals some of you're facing. How How How do you you're facing. How How How do you you're facing. How How How do you forgive forgive forgive someone who's hurt you? Well, scripture someone who's hurt you? Well, scripture someone who's hurt you? Well, scripture says, "You forgive as you've been says, "You forgive as you've been says, "You forgive as you've been forgiven."

forgiven." forgiven." So, I'll just ask you the question, have So, I'll just ask you the question, have So, I'll just ask you the question, have you forgiven those who've hurt you? you forgiven those who've hurt you? you forgiven those who've hurt you? Another question that you might want to Another question that you might want to Another question that you might want to ask is, have I shared my faith with ask is, have I shared my faith with ask is, have I shared my faith with those who need Jesus? those who need Jesus? those who need Jesus? Have I shared my faith with those who Have I shared my faith with those who Have I shared my faith with those who need Jesus? And that doesn't necessarily need Jesus? And that doesn't necessarily need Jesus? And that doesn't necessarily mean like the whole world because you mean like the whole world because you mean like the whole world because you can't really necessarily do that, but can't really necessarily do that, but can't really necessarily do that, but there are people in your life that you there are people in your life that you there are people in your life that you love, that are nearby, that are in your love, that are nearby, that are in your love, that are nearby, that are in your normal sphere of relationships. For me, normal sphere of relationships. For me, normal sphere of relationships. For me, it might be the people that serve us at it might be the people that serve us at it might be the people that serve us at the only two restaurants we go to. Why? the only two restaurants we go to. Why? the only two restaurants we go to. Why? Because we're boring and go to the same Because we're boring and go to the same Because we're boring and go to the same restaurants over and over again. Um it's restaurants over and over again. Um it's restaurants over and over again. Um it's a couple of pilots that I fly with that a couple of pilots that I fly with that a couple of pilots that I fly with that may not yet be fully serving Jesus. Ask may not yet be fully serving Jesus. Ask may not yet be fully serving Jesus. Ask yourself, family members, the people in yourself, family members, the people in yourself, family members, the people in your fraternity, sorority, on your your fraternity, sorority, on your your fraternity, sorority, on your softball team, your golfing buddies. softball team, your golfing buddies. softball team, your golfing buddies. If Jesus were to return, If Jesus were to return, If Jesus were to return, do they know him? do they know him? do they know him? Because honestly, I would hate for Because honestly, I would hate for Because honestly, I would hate for someone I know and love on the other someone I know and love on the other someone I know and love on the other side to go, "Why didn't Craig tell me side to go, "Why didn't Craig tell me side to go, "Why didn't Craig tell me about Jesus?" about Jesus?" about Jesus?" This third question actually trips me up This third question actually trips me up This third question actually trips me up probably the most. probably the most. probably the most. Am I more focused on this world than I Am I more focused on this world than I Am I more focused on this world than I am on eternity?

am on eternity? am on eternity? And I'd like to tell you that I'm all And I'd like to tell you that I'm all And I'd like to tell you that I'm all about the world to come, but I just I about the world to come, but I just I about the world to come, but I just I mean honest, I just get sucked into mean honest, I just get sucked into mean honest, I just get sucked into these things. I'm managing this, I'm these things. I'm managing this, I'm these things. I'm managing this, I'm managing that, and trying to help my managing that, and trying to help my managing that, and trying to help my kids, and trying to help the church, and kids, and trying to help the church, and kids, and trying to help the church, and you and I just it but I mean sometimes I you and I just it but I mean sometimes I you and I just it but I mean sometimes I wonder do I just I do I do I love the wonder do I just I do I do I love the wonder do I just I do I do I love the world too much? I don't want to. world too much? I don't want to. world too much? I don't want to. But there's so many things that take my But there's so many things that take my But there's so many things that take my attention away from my heart moving attention away from my heart moving attention away from my heart moving toward the things [music] of God. toward the things [music] of God. toward the things [music] of God. Do you love this world more than you Do you love this world more than you Do you love this world more than you think about the one to come? And then think about the one to come? And then think about the one to come? And then ask yourself this question, am I ask yourself this question, am I ask yourself this question, am I trusting in God's grace alone to save trusting in God's grace alone to save trusting in God's grace alone to save me? Very, very important. Am I trusting me? Very, very important. Am I trusting me? Very, very important. Am I trusting in God's grace alone to save me? in God's grace alone to save me? in God's grace alone to save me? Uh Paul said this. He said, "For it's by Uh Paul said this. He said, "For it's by Uh Paul said this. He said, "For it's by grace that you've been saved through grace that you've been saved through grace that you've been saved through faith." I want you to listen to [music] faith." I want you to listen to [music] faith." I want you to listen to [music] this. this. this. The only only way you're made right with The only only way you're made right with The only only way you're made right with God is by the forgiveness and grace of God is by the forgiveness and grace of God is by the forgiveness and grace of God through faith in Jesus. God through faith in Jesus. God through faith in Jesus. It's it's not from yourselves, Paul It's it's not from yourselves, Paul It's it's not from yourselves, Paul said, it's a gift from God. It's never said, it's a gift from God. It's never said, it's a gift from God. It's never by your good works, so you can never by your good works, so you can never by your good works, so you can never ever brag about it.

ever brag about it. ever brag about it. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And again, this one trips me up a little >> And again, this one trips me up a little >> And again, this one trips me up a little bit, I'm just going to tell you right bit, I'm just going to tell you right bit, I'm just going to tell you right now. I've been living in this for 6 now. I've been living in this for 6 now. I've been living in this for 6 weeks, studying, and asking these weeks, studying, and asking these weeks, studying, and asking these questions, letting God work on me. questions, letting God work on me. questions, letting God work on me. And if you ask me, Craig, like, "Hey, if And if you ask me, Craig, like, "Hey, if And if you ask me, Craig, like, "Hey, if you die when you're 92, are you saved by you die when you're 92, are you saved by you die when you're 92, are you saved by grace?" THEN I'M LIKE, "YEAH, grace?" THEN I'M LIKE, "YEAH, grace?" THEN I'M LIKE, "YEAH, ABSOLUTELY, I'M SAVED by grace." ABSOLUTELY, I'M SAVED by grace." ABSOLUTELY, I'M SAVED by grace." But if you say Jesus is coming back next But if you say Jesus is coming back next But if you say Jesus is coming back next Wednesday, I'm like, "Uh-oh, I better Wednesday, I'm like, "Uh-oh, I better Wednesday, I'm like, "Uh-oh, I better get to work." get to work." get to work." That's that's literally what I think. I That's that's literally what I think. I That's that's literally what I think. I better make sure I'm doing something better make sure I'm doing something better make sure I'm doing something because I I I I want to earn it. because I I I I want to earn it. because I I I I want to earn it. And I can't. And I can't. And I can't. And so I would ask you to wrestle with And so I would ask you to wrestle with And so I would ask you to wrestle with these questions. Have I forgiven those these questions. Have I forgiven those these questions. Have I forgiven those who hurt me? who hurt me? who hurt me? Have I shared with my faith with those Have I shared with my faith with those Have I shared with my faith with those who need Jesus? who need Jesus? who need Jesus? Am [music] I more focused on this world Am [music] I more focused on this world Am [music] I more focused on this world than on eternity? than on eternity? than on eternity? Am I trusting in God's grace alone to Am I trusting in God's grace alone to Am I trusting in God's grace alone to save me. save me. save me. When will When will When will Jesus return? Jesus return? Jesus return? Jesus said, "No one knows the date Jesus said, "No one knows the date Jesus said, "No one knows the date or the hour." or the hour." or the hour." We don't know. We don't know. We don't know. But we do know, according to God's word, But we do know, according to God's word, But we do know, according to God's word, we are living in the last days.

we are living in the last days. we are living in the last days. Time is short. Time is short. Time is short. So, what do we do? So, what do we do? So, what do we do? We turn, We turn, We turn, we serve, we serve, we serve, we wait. Say it with me. What do we do? we wait. Say it with me. What do we do? we wait. Say it with me. What do we do? We turn, we serve, and we wait. We turn We turn, we serve, and we wait. We turn We turn, we serve, and we wait. We turn from idols and from sin to serve the from idols and from sin to serve the from idols and from sin to serve the living God. And we wait, actively living God. And we wait, actively living God. And we wait, actively preparing for his return, preparing for his return, preparing for his return, pursuing holiness and living with a pursuing holiness and living with a pursuing holiness and living with a spiritual urgency because we know spiritual urgency because we know spiritual urgency because we know at any moment at any moment at any moment Jesus could return. Jesus could return. Jesus could return. Not someday, Not someday, Not someday, not maybe, not maybe, not maybe, at at at any any any moment moment moment the trumpet of God could sound and the the trumpet of God could sound and the the trumpet of God could sound and the skies could open, and Jesus could skies could open, and Jesus could skies could open, and Jesus could return. And when HE DOES, AT THAT return. And when HE DOES, AT THAT return. And when HE DOES, AT THAT MOMENT, IT'S TOO LATE. I just want to beg you, if you're under I just want to beg you, if you're under the care the care the care of this little shepherd under the big of this little shepherd under the big of this little shepherd under the big good shepherd, good shepherd, good shepherd, please be ready.

Because we're living in the last days. Because we're living in the last days. And our king is coming soon. And our king is coming soon. And our king is coming soon. So, Father, do a work in us. Do a work So, Father, do a work in us. Do a work So, Father, do a work in us. Do a work in our church. God, give us give us a in our church. God, give us give us a in our church. God, give us give us a spiritual hunger and urgency to know spiritual hunger and urgency to know spiritual hunger and urgency to know you, to serve you, to to live for you, you, to serve you, to to live for you, you, to serve you, to to live for you, to to forgive freely, and to share to to forgive freely, and to share to to forgive freely, and to share boldly, and to to let go of the things boldly, and to to let go of the things boldly, and to to let go of the things of this world. of this world. of this world. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And what I want to do is just get you to >> And what I want to do is just get you to >> And what I want to do is just get you to examine yourself right now. And um I don't I don't know how to ask it, but I don't I don't know how to ask it, but like, you know, if you maybe would even like, you know, if you maybe would even like, you know, if you maybe would even admit like if Jesus came back tomorrow admit like if Jesus came back tomorrow admit like if Jesus came back tomorrow and you're not sure you're and you're not sure you're and you're not sure you're totally ready. totally ready. totally ready. You might need some heart adjustments. You might need some heart adjustments. You might need some heart adjustments. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm just going to give you the chance to >> I'm just going to give you the chance to >> I'm just going to give you the chance to pray, "Help get me ready." pray, "Help get me ready." pray, "Help get me ready." Get me ready. Get me ready. Get me ready. All of our churches today, All of our churches today, All of our churches today, you know there could be more passion. you know there could be more passion. you know there could be more passion. You know you're distracted. There's more You know you're distracted. There's more You know you're distracted. There's more [music] There's There's more in you not [music] There's There's more in you not [music] There's There's more in you not to earn it, but as a reflection of what to earn it, but as a reflection of what to earn it, but as a reflection of what he's done for you. If you'd say, he's done for you. If you'd say, he's done for you. If you'd say, "God, help me get ready." Would you "God, help me get ready." Would you "God, help me get ready." Would you Would you lift your hands right now? All Would you lift your hands right now? All Would you lift your hands right now? All over the place, lift them up. Online, over the place, lift them up. Online, over the place, lift them up. Online, just type in the comment section, "Help just type in the comment section, "Help just type in the comment section, "Help me get ready." me get ready." me get ready." Father, we thank you that that you're Father, we thank you that that you're Father, we thank you that that you're here and that your spirit's working in here and that your spirit's working in here and that your spirit's working in us and that your word is working on us.

us and that your word is working on us. us and that your word is working on us. Stir up a passion to share your word, to Stir up a passion to share your word, to Stir up a passion to share your word, to share your truth, to love people. share your truth, to love people. share your truth, to love people. And to to live like time is short And to to live like time is short And to to live like time is short because it is. because it is. because it is. God, give us an urgency, a courage to God, give us an urgency, a courage to God, give us an urgency, a courage to turn from the lower things, the sinful turn from the lower things, the sinful turn from the lower things, the sinful things, the broken things of this world. things, the broken things of this world. things, the broken things of this world. And to turn to you and serve you And to turn to you and serve you And to turn to you and serve you wholeheartedly. wholeheartedly. wholeheartedly. Give us that passion, oh God. Give us Give us that passion, oh God. Give us Give us that passion, oh God. Give us that hunger. that hunger. that hunger. Not just an an emotional moment at Not just an an emotional moment at Not just an an emotional moment at church, but God, a righteous church, but God, a righteous church, but God, a righteous craving to do your will. craving to do your will. craving to do your will. Get us ready. Get us ready. Get us ready. God, get us ready. As you keep praying today, I just As you keep praying today, I just couldn't go go and say it. Like if Jesus couldn't go go and say it. Like if Jesus couldn't go go and say it. Like if Jesus came back right now and you think you'd came back right now and you think you'd came back right now and you think you'd be nervous cuz you don't know where you be nervous cuz you don't know where you be nervous cuz you don't know where you stand with God. Maybe you feel guilty stand with God. Maybe you feel guilty stand with God. Maybe you feel guilty for what you've done. Maybe you feel for what you've done. Maybe you feel for what you've done. Maybe you feel like you're not good enough. What I'm like you're not good enough. What I'm like you're not good enough. What I'm going to ask you to do right now is just going to ask you to do right now is just going to ask you to do right now is just to recognize you're not good enough. to recognize you're not good enough. to recognize you're not good enough. You'll never be good enough. I'm not You'll never be good enough. I'm not You'll never be good enough. I'm not good enough. You're not good enough. You good enough. You're not good enough. You good enough. You're not good enough. You can't be good enough. And you have to can't be good enough. And you have to can't be good enough. And you have to trust his grace alone. The gospel is the trust his grace alone. The gospel is the trust his grace alone. The gospel is the good news. What is the gospel? For God good news. What is the gospel? For God good news. What is the gospel? For God so loved the world that he sent his one so loved the world that he sent his one so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, Jesus, who was without and only son, Jesus, who was without and only son, Jesus, who was without sin. He's called the lamb of God who sin. He's called the lamb of God who sin. He's called the lamb of God who died on a cross for the forgiveness of died on a cross for the forgiveness of died on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins and God raised him from the our sins and God raised him from the our sins and God raised him from the dead so that anyone, this includes you, dead so that anyone, this includes you, dead so that anyone, this includes you, no matter what you've done, no matter no matter what you've done, no matter no matter what you've done, no matter where you've been, when you call on his where you've been, when you call on his where you've been, when you call on his name, he forgives your sins. [music] He name, he forgives your sins. [music] He name, he forgives your sins. [music] He makes you brand new. You're not saved by makes you brand new. You're not saved by makes you brand new. You're not saved by works. It's only by grace through faith.

works. It's only by grace through faith. works. It's only by grace through faith. If you don't know where you stand, hey, If you don't know where you stand, hey, If you don't know where you stand, hey, it could be tomorrow. It could be today. it could be tomorrow. It could be today. it could be tomorrow. It could be today. It could be next week. Get ready. Get It could be next week. Get ready. Get It could be next week. Get ready. Get ready. Get ready to say, "I need it." ready. Get ready to say, "I need it." ready. Get ready to say, "I need it." And don't call on Jesus just to help And don't call on Jesus just to help And don't call on Jesus just to help save you. Call on him to serve him. Turn save you. Call on him to serve him. Turn save you. Call on him to serve him. Turn from your sins and say, "I give my life from your sins and say, "I give my life from your sins and say, "I give my life to him." And all of our churches, those to him." And all of our churches, those to him." And all of our churches, those who say that's me. I don't know where I who say that's me. I don't know where I who say that's me. I don't know where I stand and I want to be ready. I want to stand and I want to be ready. I want to stand and I want to be ready. I want to know him. I want to serve him. You're know him. I want to serve him. You're know him. I want to serve him. You're turning from your sins and you're turning from your sins and you're turning from your sins and you're saying, "Yes, Jesus, be the Lord of my saying, "Yes, Jesus, be the Lord of my saying, "Yes, Jesus, be the Lord of my life. I give you my life." That's your life. I give you my life." That's your life. I give you my life." That's your prayer. Lift your hands high right now. prayer. Lift your hands high right now. prayer. Lift your hands high right now. Now. Up. All over the place. God bless Now. Up. All over the place. God bless Now. Up. All over the place. God bless you. Others of you say, "Yes." Over you. Others of you say, "Yes." Over you. Others of you say, "Yes." Over here. Both of you up there. God bless here. Both of you up there. God bless here. Both of you up there. God bless you, guys. Right back over here. Get you, guys. Right back over here. Get you, guys. Right back over here. Get I'll say, "Yes, Jesus. Yes." Lift them I'll say, "Yes, Jesus. Yes." Lift them I'll say, "Yes, Jesus. Yes." Lift them up and say, "Yes. God bless you." Others up and say, "Yes. God bless you." Others up and say, "Yes. God bless you." Others today say, "That's my prayer." Right today say, "That's my prayer." Right today say, "That's my prayer." Right back over there. Praise God. Oh, yes. back over there. Praise God. Oh, yes. back over there. Praise God. Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. Both of you. Praise God for Yes. Yes. Both of you. Praise God for Yes. Yes. Both of you. Praise God for you. Jesus, I want to know you. Online, you. Jesus, I want to know you. Online, you. Jesus, I want to know you. Online, type in the comments section, "I'm type in the comments section, "I'm type in the comments section, "I'm surrendering my life to Jesus." Type, surrendering my life to Jesus." Type, surrendering my life to Jesus." Type, "I'm surrendering to Jesus." Pray with "I'm surrendering to Jesus." Pray with "I'm surrendering to Jesus." Pray with people all over. Nobody prays alone. people all over. Nobody prays alone. people all over. Nobody prays alone. Pray, "Heavenly Father, Pray, "Heavenly Father, Pray, "Heavenly Father, I'm turning to you I'm turning to you I'm turning to you to serve you, to serve you, to serve you, to be ready for your return.

to be ready for your return. to be ready for your return. Jesus, save me. Jesus, save me. Jesus, save me. Forgive my sins. Fill me with your Forgive my sins. Fill me with your Forgive my sins. Fill me with your spirit so I could know you. My life is spirit so I could know you. My life is spirit so I could know you. My life is not my own. not my own. not my own. I give it all to you. I give it all to you. I give it all to you. Thank you for new life. Thank you for new life. Thank you for new life. You have mine. You have mine. You have mine. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. In Jesus' name I pray. Church, could you celebrate the goodness Church, could you celebrate the goodness Church, could you celebrate the goodness of God? Celebrate new life in Christ. of God? Celebrate new life in Christ. of God? Celebrate new life in Christ. Come on. Give God glory. Come on. Give God glory. Come on. Give God glory. >> Did you enjoy the message? We've got >> Did you enjoy the message? We've got >> Did you enjoy the message? We've got more from this series that we think more from this series that we think more from this series that we think you'll love. You can watch it right now. you'll love. You can watch it right now. you'll love. You can watch it right now. Just click here.