3 Ways to Prepare for Jesus’ Return

Hey, well, welcome to Life Church. My Hey, well, welcome to Life Church. My name is Nick. I'm one of the pastors name is Nick. I'm one of the pastors name is Nick. I'm one of the pastors here. here. here. >> And I'm Britain, also [music] one of >> And I'm Britain, also [music] one of >> And I'm Britain, also [music] one of your pastors. And you picked a great day your pastors. And you picked a great day your pastors. And you picked a great day to be in church every single summer. If to be in church every single summer. If to be in church every single summer. If you've been around, you know what it is. you've been around, you know what it is. you've been around, you know what it is. It is at the movies time. Something It is at the movies time. Something It is at the movies time. Something [music] special that we have planned for [music] special that we have planned for [music] special that we have planned for you today. you today. you today. >> That's right. I can't believe that at >> That's right. I can't believe that at >> That's right. I can't believe that at the Movies is already [music] here. Now, the Movies is already [music] here. Now, the Movies is already [music] here. Now, here's what's going to happen. We are here's what's going to happen. We are here's what's going to happen. We are going to watch movies in church. And going to watch movies in church. And going to watch movies in church. And yes, it [music] is exactly as fun as it yes, it [music] is exactly as fun as it yes, it [music] is exactly as fun as it sounds. sounds. sounds. >> It really is. It's fun. Our lobbies are >> It really is. It's fun. Our lobbies are >> It really is. It's fun. Our lobbies are decorated if you've seen [music] that. decorated if you've seen [music] that. decorated if you've seen [music] that. But here's the thing. It's not just But here's the thing. It's not just But here's the thing. It's not just entertainment. Our senior pastor, Craig entertainment. Our senior pastor, Craig entertainment. Our senior pastor, Craig Rochelle, takes popular [music] clips Rochelle, takes popular [music] clips Rochelle, takes popular [music] clips from movies to illustrate biblical truth from movies to illustrate biblical truth from movies to illustrate biblical truth in a fresh way, and it's going to be in a fresh way, and it's going to be in a fresh way, and it's going to be really awesome. really awesome. really awesome. >> Yeah. So, here's what you need to know. >> Yeah. So, here's what you need to know. >> Yeah. So, here's what you need to know. There are two ways that you can watch at There are two ways that you can watch at There are two ways that you can watch at the movies right now. the movies right now. the movies right now. >> Yeah. The first way is obvious. You can >> Yeah. The first way is obvious. You can >> Yeah. The first way is obvious. You can go to a local Life Church location, make go to a local Life Church location, make go to a local Life Church location, make sure and go in person, check out all the sure and go in person, check out all the sure and go in person, check out all the fun things. fun things. fun things. >> Yeah. Or you can go to live.life.urch >> Yeah. Or you can go to live.life.urch >> Yeah. Or you can go to live.life.urch and you can watch it online. And you and you can watch it online. And you and you can watch it online. And you should go ahead and head over there cuz should go ahead and head over there cuz should go ahead and head over there cuz we're getting started here in just a we're getting started here in just a we're getting started here in just a minute. minute. minute. >> Yeah. If you decide [music] to stay >> Yeah. If you decide [music] to stay >> Yeah. If you decide [music] to stay here, we just want to let you know that here, we just want to let you know that here, we just want to let you know that Pastor Craig also has an incredible Pastor Craig also has an incredible Pastor Craig also has an incredible message that you're going to see in just message that you're going to see in just message that you're going to see in just a moment if you decide to stay. a moment if you decide to stay. a moment if you decide to stay. >> Yeah. [music] No matter what you choose, >> Yeah. [music] No matter what you choose, >> Yeah. [music] No matter what you choose, we truly believe genuinely that God has we truly believe genuinely that God has we truly believe genuinely that God has something special for you no matter something special for you no matter something special for you no matter what.

what. what. >> Yeah. So, one more reminder, head on >> Yeah. So, one more reminder, head on >> Yeah. So, one more reminder, head on over if at the Movies is calling your over if at the Movies is calling your over if at the Movies is calling your name to live.urch. But right now, we're name to live.urch. But right now, we're name to live.urch. But right now, we're going into a time of worship. Let's going into a time of worship. Let's going into a time of worship. Let's quiet our minds and lift up the name of quiet our minds and lift up the name of quiet our minds and lift up the name of Jesus together. Jesus together. Jesus together. >> Well, welcome to Live Church. [music] >> Well, welcome to Live Church. [music] >> Well, welcome to Live Church. [music] We're so glad that you are joining us We're so glad that you are joining us We're so glad that you are joining us here. if you would stand to your feet. here. if you would stand to your feet. here. if you would stand to your feet. We have breath [music] in our lungs We have breath [music] in our lungs We have breath [music] in our lungs today and that is a reason to give our today and that is a reason to give our today and that is a reason to give our God some praise. So come on, we worship God some praise. So come on, we worship God some praise. So come on, we worship [music] together. [music] together. [music] together. So I've got a reason So I've got a reason So I've got a reason to trust in the trial and I've got to trust in the trial and I've got to trust in the trial and I've got [music and singing] a reason [music and singing] a reason [music and singing] a reason to face down the flames. And I've got a to face down the flames. And I've got a to face down the flames. And I've got a reason reason reason to fill these lungs with breath. Sing. I've got a reason Sing. I've got a reason to [music] dance in the desert. And I've to [music] dance in the desert. And I've to [music] dance in the desert. And I've got a reason [singing] to walk on [music] the waves. And I've to walk on [music] the waves. And I've got a reason got a reason got a reason to fill these [singing and music] lungs to fill these [singing and music] lungs to fill these [singing and music] lungs with breath.

And it's you. It's you, [music] Jesus. And it's you. It's you, [music] Jesus. You are my joy [singing] in the morning. You are my joy [singing] in the morning. You are my joy [singing] in the morning. You are my song in the evening. You are my song in the evening. You are my song in the evening. I'll praise you all my days. I'll never I'll praise you all my days. I'll never I'll praise you all my days. I'll never [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] run out of reason. run out of reason. run out of reason. I want to sing hallelujah. Never running out. Never running out. Never running out. Never running out. Never running out. [music] Never running out. [music] Never running out. [music] Never running out. Never running out. Never running out. Never running out. Never running out. Never running out. I'll never run [music] out of reasons. And I've got a fre, And I've got a fre, a heart that's forgi. a heart that's forgi. a heart that's forgi. And I've got a future past that's erased. past that's erased. And I've [music] got a savior. Time for me. Time for me. [music] It's you. It's you, Jesus.

It's you. It's you, Jesus. You are my [music] joy in the morning. You are my [music] joy in the morning. You are my [music] joy in the morning. You are my song in the evening. You are my song in the evening. You are my song in the evening. I'll praise you all my days. I'll praise you all my days. I'll praise you all my days. [singing and music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Never run it out. Never run it [music] Never run it out. Never run it [music] Never run it out. Never run it [music] out. Never run out. I'll never run out out. Never run out. I'll never run out out. Never run out. I'll never run out of reasons. [music] Oh, I'll never run out of reasons to Oh, I'll never run out of reasons to praise you, Jesus. praise you, Jesus. praise you, Jesus. Yes, you [music] are good. Come on, we Yes, you [music] are good. Come on, we Yes, you [music] are good. Come on, we declare that he is good in this place. declare that he is good in this place. declare that he is good in this place. My God [music] is good and [singing] his My God [music] is good and [singing] his My God [music] is good and [singing] his mercy endures forever. mercy endures forever. mercy endures forever. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> My God is good. His mercy endures >> My God is good. His mercy endures >> My God is good. His mercy endures forever. My God is good. [music] forever. My God is good. [music] forever. My God is good. [music] His mercy endures forever. My [music] His mercy endures forever. My [music] His mercy endures forever. My [music] God is good. His mercy endures forever.

God is good. His mercy endures forever. God is good. His mercy endures forever. [music] [music] [music] My God is good. His mercy [music] My God is good. His mercy [music] My God is good. His mercy [music] endures forever. My God. endures forever. My God. endures forever. My God. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] God God [music] [music] [music] and his mercy endures forever.

and his mercy endures forever. and his mercy endures forever. Come [music] on. Are you thankful? Oh, the perfect [singing] Oh, the perfect [singing] son of God son of God son of God in [music] all his innocence in [music] all his innocence in [music] all his innocence and walking in the dirt and walking in the dirt and walking in the dirt [singing and music] with you and me. He knows [music and singing] what living He knows [music and singing] what living is. is. is. He's acquainted with me. He's acquainted with me. He's acquainted with me. A man [singing] of sorrow, son of A man [singing] of sorrow, son of A man [singing] of sorrow, son of [music] suffering. Oh, blood and tears. [music] Oh, blood and tears. [music] How can it be? How can it be? How can it be? There's a God who weeps. There's a God who weeps. There's a God who weeps. There's [music and singing] a God who There's [music and singing] a God who There's [music and singing] a God who bleeds.

bleeds. bleeds. Oh, praise the one [music and singing] Oh, praise the one [music and singing] Oh, praise the one [music and singing] who would reach for me. who would reach for me. who would reach for me. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah to the [music and singing] start of to the [music and singing] start of to the [music and singing] start of suffering. Some [music and singing] imagine you Some [music and singing] imagine you are distant and removed are distant and removed are distant and removed but you [music] chased us down [singing] but you [music] chased us down [singing] but you [music] chased us down [singing] and merciful pursuit to the sinner. you [music] a grace and to the sinner. you [music] a grace and the [singing] broken you will grace the [singing] broken you will grace the [singing] broken you will grace [music] [music] [music] and in the end the proof is in your [music] in the end [singing] the proof [music] in the end [singing] the proof is in your is in your is in your blood as tears. blood as tears. blood as tears. How can it be? [music] How can it be? [music] How can it be? [music] There's a God who lives.

There's a God who lives. There's a God who lives. There's a God [music and singing] who There's a God [music and singing] who There's a God [music and singing] who will please. will please. will please. Oh, praise the one [music] Oh, praise the one [music] Oh, praise the one [music] who will reach [singing] for me. who will reach [singing] for me. who will reach [singing] for me. [music] Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah to the [singing] shout out. [music] Highest praise [singing] to you and you Highest praise [singing] to you and you alone. alone. alone. Lord, Lord, Lord, [music] your cross is my freedom. Your stripes, your cross is my freedom. Your stripes, my healing, [singing] all praise, King my healing, [singing] all praise, King my healing, [singing] all praise, King Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Jesus. [music] Glory to [singing] God in heaven. Your Glory to [singing] God in heaven. Your Glory to [singing] God in heaven. Your blood is still [music] speaking. Your blood is still [music] speaking. Your blood is still [music] speaking. Your [singing] love is still reaching [music] [singing] love is still reaching [music] [singing] love is still reaching [music] on praise, King Jesus. on praise, King Jesus. on praise, King Jesus. Glory to God forever. Your Glory to God forever. Your Glory to God forever. Your [music and singing] cross is my freedom, [music and singing] cross is my freedom, [music and singing] cross is my freedom, your stripes, my healing, your [singing] your stripes, my healing, your [singing] your stripes, my healing, your [singing] praise. King Jesus, [music] praise. King Jesus, [music] praise. King Jesus, [music] glory to God in heaven. [music] Your glory to God in heaven. [music] Your glory to God in heaven. [music] Your blood [singing] blood [singing] blood [singing] still seeking your love. Still [music] still seeking your love. Still [music] still seeking your love. Still [music] reaching all praise, King Jesus.

reaching all praise, King Jesus. reaching all praise, King Jesus. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] Glory to God forever. [music] [music] Glory to God forever. Glory to God forever. Glory to God forever. [music] Glory to [singing] God forever. Glory to [singing] God forever. >> [music] >> lift you high. Glory to God forever. >> lift you high. Glory to God forever. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Heat. Yeah. [music] Yeah. [music] Heat. >> Heat. Heat.

>> Heat. Heat. [music] Oh, [singing] blood and tears, Oh, [singing] blood and tears, how can it be? how can it be? how can it be? There's a God who weeps. There's a God who weeps. There's a God who weeps. There's a God who bleeds.

There's a God who bleeds. There's a God who bleeds. Oh, praise the one Oh, praise the one Oh, praise the one who would [singing] reach for me. who would [singing] reach for me. who would [singing] reach for me. Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu to the son of suffering. to the son of suffering. to the son of suffering. [singing] [singing] [singing] Hallelu Hallelu Hallelu to the son of suffering. [singing] to the son of suffering. [singing] to the son of suffering. [singing] Sing hallelu Sing hallelu Sing hallelu to [singing] the son of suffering. >> Come on. Can we give praise to him >> Come on. Can we give praise to him today? today? today? [applause] [applause] [applause] Yes. We are grateful for your love. We are We are grateful for your love. We are grateful for your resurrection that grateful for your resurrection that grateful for your resurrection that changed everything for us. changed everything for us. changed everything for us. So we stand in that freedom. We stand in So we stand in that freedom. We stand in So we stand in that freedom. We stand in the power of not our own strength but the power of not our own strength but the power of not our own strength but the strength of our savior. the strength of our savior. the strength of our savior. We give you all the honor, Lord. [music] We give you all the honor, Lord. [music] We give you all the honor, Lord. [music] We give you all the praise.

over every heart and every mind [music] cuz I know there is peace within [music] cuz I know there is peace within your presence. your presence. your presence. I [music] speak Jesus and I just [music] want to speak the and I just [music] want to speak the name of Jesus. Till every dark addiction [music] starts Till every dark addiction [music] starts to break. Declaring there is hope Declaring there is hope [music and singing] and there is [music and singing] and there is [music and singing] and there is freedom. freedom. freedom. I speak Jesus. I speak Jesus. I speak Jesus. [music] [music] [music] Come on, sing that. Your name is power. Come on, sing that. Your name is power. Come on, sing that. Your name is power. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is healing. Your name is light. [singing] So break every [music] So break every [music] stronghold. stronghold. stronghold. Shine through the shadows. [singing] Shine through the shadows. [singing] Shine through the shadows. [singing] Burn like a fire.

Burn like a fire. Burn like a fire. >> [music] over fear [singing] and all anxiety. over fear [singing] and all anxiety. [music] To every [music] soul held [singing] To every [music] soul held [singing] captive by depression, captive by depression, captive by depression, ask [music] me Jesus. Oh, we say [music] I just want to speak Oh, we say [music] I just want to speak the name of Jesus over fear [music and singing] and all over fear [music and singing] and all anxiety. >> [music] >> [music] >> Every soul captiv >> Every soul captiv >> Every soul captiv the present. your name is [singing] your name is [singing] your name is Jes. [music] your name is Jes. [music] your name is Jes. [music] your break break [singing] shadow.

[singing] shadow. [singing] shadow. [music] [music] Oh, sing your name. [music] Oh, sing your name. Your name is [singing] Your name is [singing] Your name is [singing] Your name is he. [music] Your name is he. [music] Your name is he. [music] Your name is Your name is Your name is [music] to break every to break every shine [music] through the shout Jesus from the mountains. Jesus from the mountains. Jesus in [music] the streets. Jesus in [music] the streets. Jesus in [music] the streets. Jesus in the darkness. Jesus in the darkness. Jesus in the darkness. for every enemy. for every enemy. for every enemy. Jesus for my family. I speak the [music] Jesus for my family. I speak the [music] Jesus for my family. I speak the [music] holy name. holy name. holy name. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Oh, [music] we sing it out again. Yeah.

Oh, [music] we sing it out again. Yeah. Oh, [music] we sing it out again. Yeah. Shout Jesus from [singing] the Shout Jesus from [singing] the Shout Jesus from [singing] the mountains. mountains. mountains. Jesus [music] Jesus [music] Jesus [music] in the streets. Yeah. Jesus in [singing] in the streets. Yeah. Jesus in [singing] in the streets. Yeah. Jesus in [singing] the darkness over [music] enemy. the darkness over [music] enemy. the darkness over [music] enemy. Oh Jesus [singing] my friend. Oh Jesus [singing] my friend. Oh Jesus [singing] my friend. I speak your holy [music] name I speak your holy [music] name I speak your holy [music] name Jesus. [music] [music] Oh we shout it out. Oh we shout it out. Oh we shout it out. Shout Jesus on the mountain. Shout Jesus on the mountain. Shout Jesus on the mountain. [music] Jesus Jesus in the dark. Jesus in the dark. [music] [music] [music] Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yes, it is. Yes, it is.

Oh, your name is power. Oh, your name is power. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] [music] Yeah. Fire within us. Fire within us. Oh [music] Jesus over everything. We Oh [music] Jesus over everything. We Oh [music] Jesus over everything. We give you all the glory. Hey, well welcome back to Life Church. Hey, well welcome back to Life Church. If it's your first time here, we are so If it's your first time here, we are so If it's your first time here, we are so glad that you're joining us today. glad that you're joining us today. glad that you're joining us today. >> Yes. And if you've been around for a >> Yes. And if you've been around for a >> Yes. And if you've been around for a while, you already know it is while, you already know it is while, you already know it is summertime. We have our summertime summertime. We have our summertime summertime. We have our summertime series happening right now. It is at series happening right now. It is at series happening right now. It is at [music] the movies, [music] the movies, [music] the movies, >> right? And what that means is that >> right? And what that means is that >> right? And what that means is that Pastor Craig is going to use real movies Pastor Craig is going to use real movies Pastor Craig is going to use real movies in church to illustrate biblical truth in church to illustrate biblical truth in church to illustrate biblical truth in a fresh way. It's a ton of fun. in a fresh way. It's a ton of fun. in a fresh way. It's a ton of fun. >> Yeah, absolutely. But there's only a >> Yeah, absolutely. But there's only a >> Yeah, absolutely. But there's only a couple ways you can catch it and it's couple ways you can catch it and it's couple ways you can catch it and it's actually not right here. And so we want actually not right here. And so we want actually not right here. And so we want to let you know where you can actually to let you know where you can actually to let you know where you can actually see that.

see that. see that. >> Yeah. So if you want to see it right >> Yeah. So if you want to see it right >> Yeah. So if you want to see it right now, you're going to go over to now, you're going to go over to now, you're going to go over to live.life.urch church to catch it online live.life.urch church to catch it online live.life.urch church to catch it online >> or if you have a local life church near >> or if you have a local life church near >> or if you have a local life church near you, go ahead and go in person. You're you, go ahead and go in person. You're you, go ahead and go in person. You're going to see the lobbies transformed going to see the lobbies transformed going to see the lobbies transformed just like we are right here. So catch it just like we are right here. So catch it just like we are right here. So catch it at your local campus. at your local campus. at your local campus. >> Yeah. And when we talk about lobbies >> Yeah. And when we talk about lobbies >> Yeah. And when we talk about lobbies transformed, I just want to take a transformed, I just want to take a transformed, I just want to take a moment and say thank you so much to moment and say thank you so much to moment and say thank you so much to those of you who give. You're not just those of you who give. You're not just those of you who give. You're not just watching from the sidelines, [music] but watching from the sidelines, [music] but watching from the sidelines, [music] but you're participating in what God has for you're participating in what God has for you're participating in what God has for you. And when you give of the tithe, you you. And when you give of the tithe, you you. And when you give of the tithe, you give of an offering, you are creating give of an offering, you are creating give of an offering, you are creating space in churches all over the place for space in churches all over the place for space in churches all over the place for people to meet Jesus. people to meet Jesus. people to meet Jesus. >> Yeah. Every single week, we get to >> Yeah. Every single week, we get to >> Yeah. Every single week, we get to worship God in that way. And so I'd like worship God in that way. And so I'd like worship God in that way. And so I'd like to invite you if you haven't done it to invite you if you haven't done it to invite you if you haven't done it before, start [music] somewhere. Ask before, start [music] somewhere. Ask before, start [music] somewhere. Ask God, "What would you have me give God, "What would you have me give God, "What would you have me give today?" And then you can respond through today?" And then you can respond through today?" And then you can respond through the Life Church app. And if you don't the Life Church app. And if you don't the Life Church app. And if you don't have the Life Church app, quick plug, have the Life Church app, quick plug, have the Life Church app, quick plug, you need the app. Not only can you give you need the app. Not only can you give you need the app. Not only can you give through there, there's tons of through there, there's tons of through there, there's tons of resources. You can listen to worship. So resources. You can listen to worship. So resources. You can listen to worship. So make sure and get the app today. But if make sure and get the app today. But if make sure and get the app today. But if you are staying here with us, there's you are staying here with us, there's you are staying here with us, there's going to be a great message that Pastor going to be a great message that Pastor going to be a great message that Pastor Craig is bringing. But final reminder, Craig is bringing. But final reminder, Craig is bringing. But final reminder, >> yeah, that's right. At the movies, it's >> yeah, that's right. At the movies, it's >> yeah, that's right. At the movies, it's happening. Movies is happening. happening. Movies is happening. happening. Movies is happening. Live.life.urch. Live.life.urch. Live.life.urch. If you're staying here, let's join up If you're staying here, let's join up If you're staying here, let's join up with Pastor Craig [music] right now for with Pastor Craig [music] right now for with Pastor Craig [music] right now for a great message.

If you've ever looked at the current If you've ever looked at the current state of the world and you see the wars state of the world and you see the wars state of the world and you see the wars all over the world and you see the all over the world and you see the all over the world and you see the natural disasters and you see the natural disasters and you see the natural disasters and you see the division in our nation and then even division in our nation and then even division in our nation and then even globally and then there's the sudden globally and then there's the sudden globally and then there's the sudden rise of AI which certainly will probably rise of AI which certainly will probably rise of AI which certainly will probably take over the whole world in a number of take over the whole world in a number of take over the whole world in a number of years. If you ever looked at everything years. If you ever looked at everything years. If you ever looked at everything going on and you wondered, "Do you think going on and you wondered, "Do you think going on and you wondered, "Do you think that we're nearing the end? Do you think that we're nearing the end? Do you think that we're nearing the end? Do you think that Jesus might be returning soon?" If that Jesus might be returning soon?" If that Jesus might be returning soon?" If you ask questions like that, you're you ask questions like that, you're you ask questions like that, you're actually not the first to ask. In fact, actually not the first to ask. In fact, actually not the first to ask. In fact, 2,000 years ago, there was a group of 2,000 years ago, there was a group of 2,000 years ago, there was a group of new Christians in Thessalonica that were new Christians in Thessalonica that were new Christians in Thessalonica that were asking the very same questions. So, asking the very same questions. So, asking the very same questions. So, today we're starting a new message today we're starting a new message today we're starting a new message series. We're going to do an overview of series. We're going to do an overview of series. We're going to do an overview of the book of First Thessalonians. And the book of First Thessalonians. And the book of First Thessalonians. And we're calling this message series living we're calling this message series living we're calling this message series living in the last days. Now, let's play a game in the last days. Now, let's play a game in the last days. Now, let's play a game today. All of our churches, those of you today. All of our churches, those of you today. All of our churches, those of you online, I'm going to ask you a question. online, I'm going to ask you a question. online, I'm going to ask you a question. Then you can vote. Question is, do you Then you can vote. Question is, do you Then you can vote. Question is, do you think we're living in the last days? All think we're living in the last days? All think we're living in the last days? All of our churches, how many you would say, of our churches, how many you would say, of our churches, how many you would say, I think we probably are living in the I think we probably are living in the I think we probably are living in the last days. Raise your hands up online.

last days. Raise your hands up online. last days. Raise your hands up online. You can think say, I think we're living You can think say, I think we're living You can think say, I think we're living in the last days. Others of you would in the last days. Others of you would in the last days. Others of you would say, hey, they've been saying that say, hey, they've been saying that say, hey, they've been saying that forever. My grandma thought that. People forever. My grandma thought that. People forever. My grandma thought that. People think we probably got some more time think we probably got some more time think we probably got some more time here. How many you think we got we got here. How many you think we got we got here. How many you think we got we got some more time? Come raise your hands. some more time? Come raise your hands. some more time? Come raise your hands. You can type in the comment section. I You can type in the comment section. I You can type in the comment section. I think we have some more time. Question think we have some more time. Question think we have some more time. Question and I'm going to answer it. Are we and I'm going to answer it. Are we and I'm going to answer it. Are we living in the last days? The answer is living in the last days? The answer is living in the last 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 three days later, the stone sins. And three days later, the stone sins. And three days later, the stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty and was rolled away. The tomb was empty and was rolled away. The tomb was empty and he was not there. And 40 days after the he was not there. And 40 days after the he was not 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. Yes. that Jesus is coming again. Yes. that Jesus is coming again. Yes. >> So, if you're asking, are we living in >> So, if you're asking, are we living in >> So, if you're asking, are we living in the last days? Technically, we actually the last days? Technically, we actually the last days? Technically, we actually are living in the last days. And the are living in the last days. And the are living in the last days. And the last days started about 2,000 years ago. last days started about 2,000 years ago. last days started about 2,000 years ago. And so every generation since then is And so every generation since then is And so every generation since then is called to live with a very sincere and called to live with a very sincere and called to live with a very sincere and faithful spiritual urgency because we faithful spiritual urgency because we faithful spiritual urgency because we know that every single day we are one know that every single day we are one know that every single day we are one day closer to the return of the King of day closer to the return of the King of day closer to the return of the King of all kings all kings 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 that the teaching of your living word that the teaching of your living word that you would create in us a spiritual you would create in us a spiritual you would create in us a spiritual urgency to be ready to be prepared to urgency to be ready to be prepared to urgency to be ready to be prepared to show your love as we look forward to the show your love as we look forward to the show your love as we look forward to the return of your son Jesus. It's in his return of your son Jesus. It's in his return of your son Jesus. It's in his name that we pray and everybody said name that we pray and everybody said name that we pray and everybody said amen. Type in the comment section amen amen. Type in the comment section amen amen. Type in the comment section amen so that we know that you are there. Um so that we know that you are there. Um so that we know that you are there. Um let's talk about the context of um first let's talk about the context of um first let's talk about the context of um first Thessalonians. Uh the Thessalonians uh Thessalonians. Uh the Thessalonians uh Thessalonians. Uh the Thessalonians uh were a group in the time we're studying were a group in the time we're studying were a group in the time we're studying of new Christians that were really

of new Christians that were really of new Christians that were really concerned about the future. And so Paul concerned about the future. And so Paul concerned about the future. And so Paul wrote this letter First Thessalonians wrote this letter First Thessalonians wrote this letter First Thessalonians and talked about the last days not to and talked about the last days not to and talked about the last days not to scare them but really to study their scare them but really to study their scare them but really to study their faith. Um the book starts this way. 1 faith. Um the book starts this way. 1 faith. Um the book starts this way. 1 Thessalonians uh 1 through3 uh Paul says Thessalonians uh 1 through3 uh Paul says Thessalonians uh 1 through3 uh Paul says to the church of the Thessalonians, to the church of the Thessalonians, to the church of the 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. What's beautiful about this text Christ. What's beautiful about this text Christ. What's beautiful about this text is that Paul's writing in a very is that Paul's writing in a very is that Paul's writing in a very relational tone. I remember you. We're relational tone. I remember you. We're relational tone. I remember you. We're praying for you. I'm thankful for your praying for you. I'm thankful for your praying for you. I'm thankful for your work. And it actually makes sense if you work. And it actually makes sense if you work. And it actually makes sense if you understand the background and context of understand the background and context of understand the background and context of the Thessalonian naked church. Um around the Thessalonian naked church. Um around the Thessalonian naked church. Um around 50 or 51 AD, Paul took his second 50 or 51 AD, Paul took his second 50 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 at the top leftand corner, the way up at the top leftand corner, the way up at the top leftand 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 up there, it was a port city.

you'll see up there, it was a port city. you'll see up 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 three weeks, probably there for about three weeks, probably there for about three weeks, probably less than a month. He preaches a bunch less than a month. He preaches a bunch less than a month. He preaches a bunch of people get saved and boom, there's of people get saved and boom, there's of people get saved and boom, there's baby Christians and a brand new church. baby Christians and a brand new church. baby Christians and a brand new church. So, they're like loving God, but they're So, they're like loving God, but they're So, they're like loving God, but they're being persecuted and they're scared. So, being persecuted and they're scared. So, being persecuted and they're scared. So, what does Paul do? He writes a letter to what does Paul do? He writes a letter to what does Paul do? He writes a letter to them and he's very, very relational. And them and he's very, very relational. And them and he's very, very relational. And he starts with talking about the love of he starts with talking about the love of he starts with talking about the love of God. Watch what he says in verse four. God. Watch what he says in verse four. God. Watch what he says in verse four. He says, "For we know, brothers and He says, "For we know, brothers and He says, "For we know, brothers and sisters sisters 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. THE GOSPEL IS NOT but also with power. THE GOSPEL IS NOT but also with power. THE GOSPEL IS NOT JUST WORDS, but the gospel came to you JUST WORDS, but the gospel came to you JUST WORDS, but the gospel came to you with power, with the Holy Spirit and with power, with the Holy Spirit and with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. He says, "I want you to deep conviction. He says, "I want you to deep conviction. He says, "I want you to know and understand that God does love know and understand that God does love know and understand that God does love you. He loves you. He's He's with you. you. He loves you. He's He's with you. you. He loves you. He's He's with you. He accepts you. He's forgiven you. He's He accepts you. He's forgiven you. He's He accepts you. He's forgiven you. He's made you new. HE LOVES YOU. BUT GOD made you new. HE LOVES YOU. BUT GOD made you new. HE LOVES YOU. BUT GOD DIDN'T JUST GIVE YOU HIS LOVE. God gave DIDN'T JUST GIVE YOU HIS LOVE. God gave DIDN'T JUST GIVE YOU HIS LOVE. God gave you his power." Paul said, "Our gospel you his power." Paul said, "Our gospel you his power." Paul said, "Our gospel is not just words, but our GOSPEL IS is not just words, but our GOSPEL IS is not just words, but our GOSPEL IS POWER." THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO CHANGE POWER." THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO CHANGE POWER." THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO BREAK YOUR LIFE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO BREAK YOUR LIFE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO BREAK THE CHAINS THAT HOLD YOU HOSTAGE. THE THE CHAINS THAT HOLD YOU HOSTAGE. THE THE CHAINS THAT HOLD YOU HOSTAGE. THE GOSPEL IS POWER TO heal what's broken. GOSPEL IS POWER TO heal what's broken. GOSPEL IS POWER TO heal what's broken. It's not just words. It comes with It's not just words. It comes with It's not just words. It comes with power. You you know that God loves you.

power. You you know that God loves you. power. You you know that God loves you. Many of you, you embrace the love of Many of you, you embrace the love of Many of you, you embrace the love of God. But maybe you're living without the God. But maybe you're living without the God. But maybe you're living without the power of God. power of God. power of God. >> Some of you right now like literally, >> Some of you right now like literally, >> Some of you right now like literally, okay, I'm saved and okay, now what? No. okay, I'm saved and okay, now what? No. okay, I'm saved and okay, now what? No. No. The same power that raised Christ No. The same power that raised Christ No. The same power that raised Christ FROM THE DEAD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THAT FROM THE DEAD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THAT FROM THE DEAD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THAT SAME spirit dwells within you if you're SAME spirit dwells within you if you're SAME spirit dwells within you if you're a follower of the Lord JESUS CHRIST. AND a follower of the Lord JESUS CHRIST. AND a follower of the Lord JESUS CHRIST. AND SO, YES, GOD'S LOVE secures you, BUT SO, YES, GOD'S LOVE secures you, BUT SO, YES, GOD'S LOVE secures you, BUT GOD'S POWER STRENGTHENS YOU and GOD'S POWER STRENGTHENS YOU and 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 going, "Hey, here's doing. He's like going, "Hey, here's doing. He's like going, "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 answer is yes, we days? Yes or no? The answer is yes, we days? Yes or no? The answer is yes, we are. We're living in the last days. So, are. We're living in the last days. So, are. We're living in the last days. So, how do we as followers of Jesus live how do we as followers of Jesus live how do we as followers of Jesus live ready in the last days? We're going to ready in the last days? We're going to ready in the last days? We're going to do three things. We're going to turn, we do three things. We're going to turn, we do three things. We're going to turn, we will serve, and we wait. Let's all say will serve, and we wait. Let's all say will serve, and we wait. Let's all say this aloud. What do we do? We turn, we this aloud. What do we do? We turn, we this aloud. What do we do? We turn, we serve, we wait. I need some people in uh serve, we wait. I need some people in uh serve, we wait. I need some people in uh 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 in in Kansas. Everybody say it aloud. in in Kansas. Everybody say it aloud. in in Kansas. Everybody say it aloud. What are we gonna do? We're gonna we What are we gonna do? We're gonna we What are we gonna do? We're gonna we turn, we serve, and we wait. The first turn, we serve, and we wait. The first turn, we serve, and we wait. The first thing we do is we turn. What do we turn thing we do is we turn. What do we turn thing we do is we turn. What do we turn from and turn to? Paul's going to teach from and turn to? Paul's going to teach from and turn to? Paul's going to teach us that we turn from idols that deceive us that we turn from idols that deceive us that we turn from idols that deceive us to the God who saves. We're going to us to the God who saves. We're going to us 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 how you turned to God they tell us how you turned to God they tell us how you turned to God from idols." They tell us how you turn from idols." They tell us how you turn from idols." They tell us how you turn 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. Um, some of them worshiped Greek gods Um, some of them worshiped Greek gods Um, some of them worshiped Greek gods like Zeus and Apollo and Aremus. Others, like Zeus and Apollo and Aremus. Others, like Zeus and Apollo and Aremus. 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 Yeah, I'm I'm trying to here. So, if you Yeah, I'm I'm trying to here. So, if you Yeah, I'm I'm trying to offend all of you. So, don't just think offend all of you. So, don't just think offend all of you. So, don't just think I'm picking on one of you, okay? I'm I'm picking on one of you, okay? I'm I'm picking on one of you, okay? 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 just sit there like a stick in the you just sit there like a stick in the you just sit there like a stick in the mud. Okay. They they would they mud. Okay. They they would they mud. Okay. They they would they literally would worship Caesar and call literally would worship Caesar and call literally would worship Caesar and call him Lord. They they had these household him Lord. They they had these household him Lord. They they had these household idols that they'd worship as well. These idols that they'd worship as well. These idols that they'd worship as well. These kind of small like carved um little kind of small like carved um little kind of small like carved um little little creatures or or things. And they little creatures or or things. And they little creatures or or things. And they thought that these things would protect thought that these things would protect thought that these things would protect them from evil. They thought they them from evil. They thought they them from evil. They thought they sometimes they would help them be more sometimes they would help them be more sometimes they would help them be more productive. you. We didn't have them, productive. you. We didn't have them, productive. you. We didn't have them, but some people might think we did but some people might think we did but some people might think we did because we had six kids. Uh they thought because we had six kids. Uh they thought because we had six kids. Uh they thought that they would give them financial that they would give them financial that they would give them financial blessings. And so turning to Jesus meant blessings. And so turning to Jesus meant blessings. And so turning to Jesus meant rejecting rejecting 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 it was costly, it was costly, it 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 when and they would serve him only. And when and they would serve him only. And when they made that turn, everyone knew it. they made that turn, everyone knew it. they made that turn, everyone knew it. These people, they belong to Jesus. It These people, they belong to Jesus. It These people, they belong to Jesus. It wasn't like maybe where you live where wasn't like maybe where you live where wasn't like maybe where you live where you work somewhere for six years and you work somewhere for six years and you work somewhere for six years and someone said, "Oh, you you go to church. someone said, "Oh, you you go to church. someone said, "Oh, you you go to church. I didn't know you were a Christian." I didn't know you were a Christian." I didn't know you were a 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. idolatry. idolatry. >> We all have idols in our life. You may >> We all have idols in our life. You may >> We all have idols in our life. You may say like, what is exactly an idol? Well, say like, what is exactly an idol? Well, say like, what is exactly an idol? Well, an idol is anything you put in God's an idol is anything you put in God's an idol is anything you put in God's place. place. 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, and why do we do name for ourselves. Um, and why do we do name for ourselves. Um, and why do we do this? Most of you do this because you this? Most of you do this because you this? Most of you do this because you believe your worth is directly tied to believe your worth is directly tied to believe your worth is directly tied to what you produce. You believe that your what you produce. You believe that your what you produce. You believe that your value is based on what you do. And the value is based on what you do. And the value is based on what you do. And the good news is I would personally never good news is I would personally never good news is I would personally never battle with that. battle with that. battle with that. Guilty is charged. I I I want to be Guilty is charged. I I I want to be Guilty is charged. I I I want to be productive so that I be feel valuable. productive so that I be feel valuable. productive so that I 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 it just society money and things and and it just society money and things and and it just society rewards like well you work hard so you rewards like well you work hard so you rewards like well you 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 then until it takes the place of God and then until it takes the place of God and then one day essentially for some people one day essentially for some people one day essentially for some people their goal is let me say it this way to their goal is let me say it this way to their goal is let me say it this way to build bigger barns and bigger barns and build bigger barns and bigger barns and build bigger barns and bigger barns and take life easy and eat and drink and be take life easy and eat and drink and be take life easy and eat and drink and be merry. And if you don't know what I'm merry. And if you don't know what I'm merry. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, there's actually a talking about, there's actually a talking about, there's actually a parable where Jesus says it doesn't go parable where Jesus says it doesn't go parable where Jesus says it doesn't go good for people who do that. It's good for people who do that. It's good for people who do that. It's essentially what he said. Um, some essentially what he said. Um, some essentially what he said. Um, some people idolize relationships. I mean, people idolize relationships. I mean, people idolize relationships. I mean, like it's all about getting married. I like it's all about getting married. I like it's all about getting married. I need me a I need me a wife. I need me a need me a I need me a wife. I need me a need me a I need me a wife. I need me a man. And until [clears throat] then, man. And until [clears throat] then, man. And until [clears throat] then, like, nothing matters. And then you get like, nothing matters. And then you get like, nothing matters. And then you get married and you have kids. And what married and you have kids. And what married and you have kids. And what happens is, I mean, I'm talk directly to

happens is, I mean, I'm talk directly to happens is, I mean, I'm talk directly to some of you. You literally idolize your some of you. You literally idolize your some of you. You literally idolize your kids above anything else. Scripture kids above anything else. Scripture kids above anything else. Scripture teaches he's supposed to be first, but teaches he's supposed to be first, but teaches he's supposed to be first, but he gets cut out for your kids every he gets cut out for your kids every he gets cut out for your kids every single week. single week. 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. 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 not good for your kids. They are not not good for your kids. They are not not 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 and say, God. Let God work on your kids and say, God. Let God work on your kids and say, "Have godly kids." Uh some of us, we "Have godly kids." Uh some of us, we "Have godly kids." Uh some of us, we just idolize what people think about us. just idolize what people think about us. just idolize what people think about 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, what I mean, like by the way we live, what I mean, like by the way we live, what people think about us might actually be people think about us might actually be people think about us might actually be more important than what God thinks more important than what God thinks more important than what God thinks about us. about us. 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 culture today, they just you just culture today, they just you just idolize yourself. It's your body, your idolize yourself. It's your body, your idolize yourself. It's your body, your life, live your way, live your truth. life, live your way, live your truth. life, live your way, live your truth. You first. Your happiness matters most.

You first. Your happiness matters most. You first. Your 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. You're going to see this kind of stuff. You're going to see this kind of stuff. You're going to see people idolizing the sinful things see people idolizing the sinful things see people idolizing the sinful things of this fallen world instead of being of this fallen world instead of being of this fallen world instead of being truly submitted to the King of all kings truly submitted to the King of all kings truly submitted to the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. This is what Paul and Lord of all lords. This is what Paul and Lord of all lords. This is what Paul said. I I want to show you what he said said. I I want to show you what he said said. I I want to show you what he said about the last days and see if you about the last days and see if you about the last days and see if you recognize any of this in the world recognize any of this in the world recognize any of this in the world today. He said 2 Timothy 3:1. He said, today. He said 2 Timothy 3:1. He said, today. He said 2 Timothy 3:1. He said, "Mark this. There will be terrible times "Mark this. There will be terrible times "Mark this. There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers in the last days. People will be lovers in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves." of themselves." of themselves." Check. Check. Check. Lovers of money. Check. Boastful. Check. Lovers of money. Check. Boastful. Check. Lovers of money. Check. Boastful. Check. Proud. Check. Abusive. Unfortunately, Proud. Check. Abusive. Unfortunately, Proud. Check. Abusive. Unfortunately, check. Disobed into their parents. check. Disobed into their parents. check. Disobed into their 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, having a form rather than lovers of God, having a form rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, of godliness, of godliness, but denying its power.

but denying its power. but denying its power. Paul says, "Have nothing to do with such Paul says, "Have nothing to do with such Paul says, "Have nothing to do with such people." people." 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 conscious choice to turn away make a conscious choice to turn away make a conscious choice to turn away from the lower things of this world and from the lower things of this world and from the lower things of this world and turn to the truth of God's word. The the turn to the truth of God's word. The the turn to the truth of God's word. The the biblical word is repent. Rep means to biblical word is repent. Rep means to biblical word is repent. Rep means to turn. Repent is that which is the turn. Repent is that which is the turn. Repent is that which is the highest. Repent. Turn. In fact, for some highest. Repent. Turn. In fact, for some highest. Repent. Turn. In fact, for some of you, your one assignment is to turn of you, your one assignment is to turn of you, your one assignment is to turn in the right direction. turn away from in the right direction. turn away from in the right direction. turn away from the lower things that are distracting the lower things that are distracting the lower things that are distracting YOU FROM THE HIGHER THINGS OF THE YOU FROM THE HIGHER THINGS OF THE YOU FROM THE HIGHER THINGS OF THE KINGDOM of God and turn toward him. And KINGDOM of God and turn toward him. And KINGDOM of God and turn toward him. And the problem is today it's very common the problem is today it's very common the problem is today it's very common and very acceptable to have one foot in and very acceptable to have one foot in and very acceptable to have one foot in the church and one foot in the world. the church and one foot in the world. the church and one foot in the world. You're essentially split. And what do You're essentially split. And what do You're essentially split. And what do you do? You turn away from the things of you do? You turn away from the things of you do? You turn away from the things of the world. You turn to the things of the world. You turn to the things of the world. You turn to the things of God. You turn away from selfishness and God. You turn away from selfishness and God. You turn away from selfishness and turn to God. You turn away from pride turn to God. You turn away from pride turn to God. You turn away from pride and turn to God. You turn away from and turn to God. You turn away from and turn to God. You turn away from entitlement and you turn to God. You entitlement and you turn to God. You entitlement and you turn to God. You turn away from the sins of the world and turn away from the sins of the world and turn away from the sins of the world and you turn toward God. Somebody say, "I'm you turn toward God. Somebody say, "I'm you turn toward God. Somebody say, "I'm turning." turning." turning." >> What What are we doing? We turn and then >> What What are we doing? We turn and then >> What What are we doing? We turn and then we serve. Paul says this, that not only we serve. Paul says this, that not only we serve. Paul says this, that not only do we turn, but we serve the living God, do we turn, but we serve the living God, do we turn, but we serve the living God, NOT DEAD IDOLS. WE turn and we serve the NOT DEAD IDOLS. WE turn and we serve the NOT DEAD IDOLS. WE turn and we serve the living God, not dead idols. 1 living God, not dead idols. 1 living God, not dead idols. 1 Thessalonians 1:9, again, we'll look at Thessalonians 1:9, again, we'll look at Thessalonians 1:9, again, we'll look at a little more of it. He said, "They tell a little more of it. He said, "They tell a little more of it. He said, "They tell us how you turn to God from idols. Why us how you turn to God from idols. Why us how you turn to God from idols. Why did you turn? The reason you turned is did you turn? The reason you turned is did you turn? The reason you turned is to serve the living and true God. You

to serve the living and true God. You to serve the living and true God. You turn from the dead idols to the living turn from the dead idols to the living turn from the dead idols to the living and the true God. Paul doesn't just say and the true God. Paul doesn't just say and the true God. Paul doesn't just say turn, but turn and serve. And who do you turn, but turn and serve. And who do you turn, but turn and serve. And who do you serve? You serve the living God. What's serve? You serve the living God. What's serve? You serve the living God. What's the problem with idols? A lot of things. the problem with idols? A lot of things. the problem with idols? A lot of things. First of all, they're lifeless. First of all, they're lifeless. 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 Every advertise, IF YOU GET IT, YOU'LL Every advertise, IF YOU GET IT, YOU'LL BE HAPPY. AND YOU GET IT AND YOU'RE BE HAPPY. AND YOU GET IT AND YOU'RE BE HAPPY. AND YOU GET IT AND YOU'RE still empty. They're dead. But our God still empty. They're dead. But our God still empty. They're dead. But our God is alive. is alive. is alive. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> His word is alive. >> His word is alive. >> His word is alive. >> It's living. It's active. It's powerful. >> It's living. It's active. It's powerful. >> It's living. It's active. It's powerful. Our God is living. He He hears your Our God is living. He He hears your Our God is living. He He hears your prayers. Our God moves our God. SAVES prayers. Our God moves our God. SAVES prayers. Our God moves our God. SAVES OUR GOD. IT'S POWERFUL. SO WHAT DO YOU OUR GOD. IT'S POWERFUL. SO WHAT DO YOU OUR GOD. IT'S POWERFUL. SO WHAT DO YOU DO? You turn from sin to God to serve.

DO? You turn from sin to God to serve. DO? You turn from sin to God to serve. Now watch this. Turning to God to save Now watch this. Turning to God to save Now watch this. Turning to God to save you. That happens one time. you. That happens one time. you. That happens one time. [clears throat] You repent of your sins [clears throat] You repent of your sins [clears throat] You repent of your sins and you call on Jesus and he hears the and you call on Jesus and he hears the and you call on Jesus and he hears the cries of your heart and he makes you cries of your heart and he makes you cries of your heart and he makes you brand new. He separates your sins FROM brand new. He separates your sins FROM brand new. He separates your sins FROM YOU AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. YOU AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. YOU AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. You become a brand new creation. The old You become a brand new creation. The old You become a brand new creation. The old is gone and the new is there. Turning to is gone and the new is there. Turning to is gone and the new is there. Turning to God to save you happens once. But God to save you happens once. But God to save you happens once. But serving God happens daily. serving God happens daily. serving God happens daily. >> It's daily. It's an every day, every >> It's daily. It's an every day, every >> It's daily. It's an every day, 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 dulo. And this comes in the Greek word dulo. And this comes in the Greek word dulo. And this word means this. It means to serve word means this. It means to serve 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. Our mission at Life above your own. Our mission at Life above your own. Our mission at Life Church is to lead people to become fully Church is to lead people to become fully Church is to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Is to serve devoted followers of Christ. Is to serve devoted followers of Christ. Is to serve with complete loyalty with our whole with complete loyalty with our whole with complete loyalty with our whole heart to to love God with our whole heart to to love God with our whole heart to to love God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. To put heart, mind, soul, and strength. To put heart, mind, soul, and strength. To put the will of another ahead of our own the will of another ahead of our own the will of another ahead of our own will. This is to serve. It's not like will. This is to serve. It's not like will. This is to serve. It's not like this is what I want is God. I want what this is what I want is God. I want what this is what I want is God. I want what you want. It's more than a a a Sunday you want. It's more than a a a Sunday you want. It's more than a a a Sunday religion. It's a daily surrender. It's religion. It's a daily surrender. It's religion. It's a daily surrender. It's not God bless my agenda. It's God, I not God bless my agenda. It's God, I not God bless my agenda. It's God, I surrender my agenda to you. Your will be surrender my agenda to you. Your will be surrender my agenda to you. Your will be done on earth through my life as it is done on earth through my life as it is done on earth through my life as it is in heaven. I exist to serve you.

in heaven. I exist to serve you. 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 So, I want I want to just talk to somebody who's kind of on the fence. I somebody who's kind of on the fence. I somebody who's kind of on the fence. I want to talk to somebody who's want to talk to somebody who's want to talk to somebody who's just a little bit straddled. And I want just a little bit straddled. And I want just a little bit straddled. And I want to tell you, now is the time to serve to tell you, now is the time to serve to tell you, now is the time to serve the one who loves you. Now is the time the one who loves you. Now is the time the one who loves you. Now is the time to serve the one who gives you power. to serve the one who gives you power. to serve the one who gives you power. 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 saves you. Now is the time to serve the saves you. Now is the time to serve the saves you. Now is the time to serve the one who's worthy of all your praise. one who's worthy of all your praise. one who's worthy of all your praise. Now, this moment, today, right now, not Now, this moment, today, right now, not Now, this moment, today, right now, not tomorrow, not later, not when you get tomorrow, not later, not when you get tomorrow, not later, not when you get around to it, not once you get older, around to it, not once you get older, around to it, not once you get older, not once you get married, not when your not once you get married, not when your not once you get married, not when your kids get, not another stage of life. Now kids get, not another stage of life. Now kids get, not another stage of life. Now is the time to serve the one who is is the time to serve the one who is is the time to serve the one who is coming again. And so living in the end coming again. And so living in the end coming again. And so living in the end times, times, 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? Well, Paul teaches us this is how wait? Well, Paul teaches us this is how wait? Well, Paul teaches us this is how we wait. We wait actively we wait. We wait actively we wait. We wait actively preparing for the return of Christ. We preparing for the return of Christ. We preparing for the return of Christ. We we wait actively preparing for the we wait actively preparing for the 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 tell how you turn from God to you they tell how you turn from God to you they tell how you turn from God to idols to serve the living and true God idols to serve the living and true God idols to serve the living and true God and to wait." He's coming back. We're and to wait." He's coming back. We're and to wait." He's coming back. We're living in the last days. And to wait for living in the last days. And to wait for living in the last days. And to wait for his son from heaven, whom God raised his son from heaven, whom God raised his son from heaven, whom God raised from the dead. What's his name? Jesus.

from the dead. What's his name? Jesus. from the dead. What's his name? Jesus. He is the one who rescues us from the He is the one who rescues us from the He is the one who rescues us from the coming wrath. We wait for the son from coming wrath. We wait for the son from coming wrath. We wait for the son from heaven who God raised from the dead, the heaven who God raised from the dead, the heaven who God raised from the dead, the king, the savior who rescues us from king, the savior who rescues us from king, the savior who rescues us from wrath. Waiting doesn't mean doing wrath. Waiting doesn't mean doing wrath. Waiting doesn't mean doing nothing. Waiting doesn't mean wasting nothing. Waiting doesn't mean wasting nothing. Waiting doesn't mean wasting time. Uh there's a Greek word that's time. Uh there's a Greek word that's time. Uh there's a Greek word that's translated as waiting, and I'm going to translated as waiting, and I'm going to translated as waiting, and I'm going to spell it for you because it's really spell it for you because it's really spell it for you because it's really hard to say. hard to say. hard to say. is spelled a n a m n e i n and it's from is spelled a n a m n e i n and it's from is spelled a n a m n e i n and it's from two root words ana which means again two root words ana which means again two root words ana which means again and intensely. It's again and again and and intensely. It's again and again and and intensely. It's 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 me remember John 15 Jesus said remain in me 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 different Remain in me. Abide in me. 11 different Remain in me. Abide in me. 11 different times you see it. And this word means to times you see it. And this word means to times you see it. And this word means to remain, to stay, and to abide. So wait, remain, to stay, and to abide. So wait, remain, to stay, and to abide. So wait, literally translated as you put these literally translated as you put these literally translated as you put these two together means to wait actively and two together means to wait actively and two together means to wait actively and faithfully with great expectation. How faithfully with great expectation. How faithfully with great expectation. How do you wait? Actively and faithfully do you wait? Actively and faithfully do you wait? Actively and faithfully with great expectation. How do you wait?

with great expectation. How do you wait? with great expectation. How do you wait? We're living in the last days and Jesus We're living in the last days and Jesus We're living in the last days and Jesus is returning soon. You wait actively and is returning soon. You wait actively and is returning soon. You wait actively and faithfully with great expectation. You faithfully with great expectation. You faithfully with great expectation. You wake up and say, "Today could be the wake up and say, "Today could be the wake up and say, "Today could be the day. I better be loving people today. I day. I better be loving people today. I day. 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 my heart drifts toward the But but but my heart drifts toward the But but but my heart drifts toward the kingdom of God today. I'm waiting kingdom of God today. I'm waiting kingdom of God today. I'm waiting actively and and and faithfully and actively and and and faithfully and actively and and and faithfully and believing that he could even come today. believing that he could even come today. believing that he could even come today. I lived this way in 1988. I lived this way in 1988. I lived this way 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. And there's a book somebody Brand new. And there's a book somebody Brand new. And there's a book somebody wrote in 1988 called 88 Reasons Why the wrote in 1988 called 88 Reasons Why the wrote in 1988 called 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Take Place in 1988. Rapture Will Take Place in 1988. Rapture Will 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. I just heard the think I read the book. I just heard the think I read the book. I just heard the title. 88 reasons why the rapture will title. 88 reasons why the rapture will title. 88 reasons why the rapture will take place in 88. I figure if there's take place in 88. I figure if there's take place in 88. I figure if there's 88, that's enough to be ready.

88, that's enough to be ready. 88, 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 There'd be a tree right here. My There'd be a tree right here. My friend's there. He could be coming back. friend's there. He could be coming back. friend's there. He could be coming back. I jump behind the tree. I jump behind the tree. I jump behind the tree. I try to make him think there was a I try to make him think there was a I try 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 swords, my socks. I t-shirt. I got my swords, my socks. I t-shirt. I got my swords, my socks. I just put them all there. His alarm goes just put them all there. His alarm goes just put them all there. His alarm goes off. He looks over and he goes, "You're off. He looks over and he goes, "You're off. 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 that I'm much back at any time. And now that I'm much back at any time. And now that I'm much older older 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 or even after our lifetime, lifetime or or even after our lifetime, lifetime or 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 >> and time is really, really short. And >> and time is really, really short. And >> and time is really, really short. And so, what I'm doing is I'm asking myself, so, what I'm doing is I'm asking myself, so, what I'm doing is I'm asking myself, and I've been working on this series and I've been working on this series and I've been working on this series about maybe six weeks. I'm asking myself about maybe six weeks. I'm asking myself about maybe six weeks. I'm asking myself um four different questions. And in our um four different questions. And in our um four different questions. And in our life groups this week, what I'd like for life groups this week, what I'd like for life groups this week, what I'd like for you to do is I'd like you to work you to do is I'd like you to work you to do is I'd like you to work through these questions together. And through these questions together. And through these questions together. And have I said how important it is to be in have I said how important it is to be in have I said how important it is to be in life group? Can't remember if I've life group? Can't remember if I've life group? Can't remember if I've mentioned that recently, but we just we mentioned that recently, but we just we mentioned that recently, but we just we don't do life alone. We are the family don't do life alone. We are the family don't do life alone. We are the family of God and iron sharpens iron and we of God and iron sharpens iron and we of God and iron sharpens iron and we love one another and we serve one love one another and we serve one love one another and we serve one another. If you're not in a life group another. If you're not in a life group another. If you're not in a life group yet, now's the time to get in community. yet, now's the time to get in community. yet, now's the time to get in community. We're going to ask these questions. We're going to ask these questions. 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 hurt me? We're Have I forgiven those who hurt me? We're Have I forgiven those who hurt me? We're going to ask, "Have I shared my faith going to ask, "Have I shared my faith going to ask, "Have I shared my faith with those who need Jesus?" We're going with those who need Jesus?" We're going with those who need Jesus?" We're going to ask, "Am I more focused on this world to ask, "Am I more focused on this world to ask, "Am I more focused on this world than on eternity?" And we're going to than on eternity?" And we're going to than on eternity?" And we're going to ask, am I trusting in God's grace alone ask, am I trusting in God's grace alone ask, am I trusting in God's grace alone to save me? Let's talk these through um to save me? Let's talk these through um to save me? Let's talk these through um 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? I asked myself that who hurt me? I asked myself that who hurt me? I asked myself that question. And there was a name or two question. And there was a name or two question. And there was a name or two that came to mind that I thought, I that came to mind that I thought, I that came to mind that I thought, I better take this thing seriously because better take this thing seriously because better take this thing seriously because I've been hurt and maybe was holding a I've been hurt and maybe was holding a I've been hurt and maybe was holding a grudge. And why is it important to grudge. And why is it important to grudge. And why is it important to forgive if Jesus is coming back soon?

forgive if Jesus is coming back soon? forgive if 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," he said, when they sin against you," he said, when they sin against you," he said, "you heavenly father will also forgive "you heavenly father will also forgive "you heavenly father will also forgive you." [music] you." [music] you." [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 betray betrayal some of you hurts, big betray betrayal some of you hurts, big betray betrayal some of you are facing. H how do you forgive someone are facing. H how do you forgive someone are facing. H how do you forgive someone who's hurt you? Well, scripture says you who's hurt you? Well, scripture says you who's hurt you? Well, scripture says you forgive as [music] you've been forgiven. forgive as [music] you've been forgiven. forgive as [music] you've been forgiven. So, I just ask you the question, have So, I just ask you the question, have So, I 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? Have I shared my those who need Jesus? Have I shared my those who need Jesus? Have I shared my faith with those who need Jesus? And faith with those who need Jesus? And faith with those who need Jesus? And that doesn't necessarily mean like the that doesn't necessarily mean like the that doesn't necessarily mean like the whole world because you can't really whole world because you can't really whole world because you can't really necessarily do that. But there are necessarily do that. But there are necessarily do that. But there are people in your life that you love that people in your life that you love that people in your life that you love that are nearby that are in your normal are nearby that are in your normal are nearby that are in your normal sphere of relationships. For me, it sphere of relationships. For me, it sphere of relationships. For me, it might be the people that serve us at the might be the people that serve us at the might be the people that serve us at the only two restaurants we go to. Why?

only two restaurants we go to. Why? 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, restaurants over and over again. Um, restaurants over and over again. Um, it's a couple of pilots that I fly with it's a couple of pilots that I fly with it's a couple of pilots that I fly with that may not yet be fully serving Jesus. that may not yet be fully serving Jesus. that may not yet be fully serving Jesus. Ask yourself, family members, the people Ask yourself, family members, the people Ask yourself, family members, the people in your fraternity, sorority, on your in your fraternity, sorority, on your in your fraternity, sorority, on your softball team, your Gothan buddies, if softball team, your Gothan buddies, if softball team, your Gothan buddies, if Jesus were to return, Jesus were to return, Jesus were to return, do they know him? Because honestly, I do they know him? Because honestly, I do they know him? Because honestly, I would hate for someone I know and love would hate for someone I know and love would hate for someone I know and love on the other side to go, "Why didn't on the other side to go, "Why didn't on the other side to go, "Why didn't Craig tell me about Jesus?" [music] Craig tell me about Jesus?" [music] Craig tell me about Jesus?" [music] This third question actually trips me up This third question actually trips me up This third question actually trips me up probably the most. Um, am I more focused probably the most. Um, am I more focused probably the most. Um, am I more focused on this world than I am on eternity? And on this world than I am on eternity? And on this world than I am on eternity? And I'd like to tell you that I'm all about I'd like to tell you that I'm all about I'd like to tell you that I'm all about the world to come, but I just I mean, the world to come, but I just I mean, the world to come, but I just I mean, honestly, I just get sucked into these honestly, I just get sucked into these honestly, I just get sucked into these things. I'm managing this and managing things. I'm managing this and managing things. I'm managing this and managing that and trying to help my kids and that and trying to help my kids and that and trying to help my kids and trying to help the church and you and I trying to help the church and you and I trying to help the church and you and I just it it but I mean sometimes I wonder just it it but I mean sometimes I wonder just it it but I mean sometimes I wonder do I just do I do I love the world too do I just do I do I love the world too do I just do I do I love the world too much? I don't want to. much? I don't want to. 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? Uh Paul in God's grace alone to save me? Uh Paul in God's grace alone to save me? Uh Paul said this. He said, "For it's by grace said this. He said, "For it's by grace said this. He said, "For it's by grace that you've been saved through faith." I that you've been saved through faith." I that you've been saved through faith." I want you to listen [music] to this. The want you to listen [music] to this. The want you to listen [music] to this. The only ma only way you're made right with only ma only way you're made right with only ma 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. It's it's God through faith in Jesus. It's it's God through faith in Jesus. It's it's not from yourselves, Paul said. It's the not from yourselves, Paul said. It's the not from yourselves, Paul said. It's the gift from God. It's never by your good gift from God. It's never by your good gift from God. It's never by your good works. So you can never ever brag about works. So you can never ever brag about works. So you can never ever brag about it. [music] And again, this one trips me it. [music] And again, this one trips me it. [music] And again, this one trips me up a little bit. I'm just going to tell up a little bit. I'm just going to tell up a little bit. I'm just going to tell you right now. I've been living in this you right now. I've been living in this you right now. I've been living in this for six weeks, studying, asking these for six weeks, studying, asking these for six weeks, studying, asking these questions, letting God work on me. And questions, letting God work on me. And questions, letting God work on me. And if you ask me, Craig, like, "Hey, if you if you ask me, Craig, like, "Hey, if you if you ask me, Craig, like, "Hey, if you die when you're 92, are you saved by die when you're 92, are you saved by 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." But if ABSOLUTELY. I'M SAVED by grace." But if ABSOLUTELY. I'M SAVED by grace." But if you say, "Jesus is coming back next you say, "Jesus is coming back next you say, "Jesus is coming back next Wednesday." I'm like, "Uhoh, I better Wednesday." I'm like, "Uhoh, I better Wednesday." I'm like, "Uhoh, I better get to work. That's that's literally get to work. That's that's literally get to work. That's that's literally what I think. I better make sure I'm what I think. I better make sure I'm what I think. I better make sure I'm doing something doing something doing something because I I I I want to earn it and I because I I I I want to earn it and I because I I I I want to earn it and I can't. And so I would ask you to wrestle can't. And so I would ask you to wrestle can't. And so I would ask you to wrestle with these questions. Have I forgiven with these questions. Have I forgiven with these questions. Have I forgiven those who hurt me? Have I shared with my those who hurt me? Have I shared with my those who hurt me? Have I shared with my faith with those who need Jesus? Am faith with those who need Jesus? Am faith with those who need Jesus? Am [music] I more focused on this world [music] I more focused on this world [music] I more focused on this world than on eternity? Am I trusting in God's than on eternity? Am I trusting in God's than on eternity? Am I trusting in God's grace alone to save me?

grace alone to save me? grace alone to save me? When will Jesus return? When will Jesus return? When will Jesus return? Jesus said, "No one knows the date or Jesus said, "No one knows the date or Jesus said, "No one knows the date or the hour. We don't know. But we do know the hour. We don't know. But we do know the hour. We don't know. But we do know according to God's word, we are living according to God's word, we are living according to God's word, we are living in the last days. Time is short. So what in the last days. Time is short. So what in the last days. Time is short. So what do we do? We turn. We serve. We wait. do we do? We turn. We serve. We wait. do we do? We turn. We serve. We wait. Say it with me. What do we do? We turn. Say it with me. What do we do? We turn. Say it with me. What do we do? We turn. We serve. And we wait. We turn from We serve. And we wait. We turn from We serve. And we wait. We turn from idols and from sin to serve the living idols and from sin to serve the living idols and from sin to serve the living God. And we wait. Actively preparing for God. And we wait. Actively preparing for God. And we wait. Actively preparing for his return, pursuing holiness and living his return, pursuing holiness and living his return, pursuing holiness and living with a spiritual urgency. Because we with a spiritual urgency. Because we with a spiritual urgency. Because we know know know at any moment at any moment at any moment Jesus could return. Jesus could return. Jesus could return. Not someday, not maybe. At any moment, Not someday, not maybe. At any moment, Not someday, not maybe. At any 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 return. skies could open and Jesus could return. skies could open and Jesus could return. And when HE DOES, AT that moment, it's And when HE DOES, AT that moment, it's 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. please be ready. please be ready. [snorts] 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. [music] And what I want of this world. [music] And what I want of this world. [music] And what I want to do is just get you to examine to do is just get you to examine to do is just get you to examine yourself right now. And um yourself right now. And um yourself right now. And um I don't I don't know how else to ask it, I don't I don't know how else to ask it, I don't I don't know how else to ask it, but like you know, if you maybe would but like you know, if you maybe would but like you know, if you maybe would even admit like if Jesus came back even admit like if Jesus came back even admit like if Jesus came back tomorrow and you're not sure you're tomorrow and you're not sure you're tomorrow 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. I'm just going to give you a chance to I'm just going to give you a chance to I'm just going to give you a chance to pray. Help get me ready. Get me ready.

pray. Help get me ready. Get me ready. pray. Help 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 You know, you're distracted. There's You know, you're distracted. There's more there's there's more in you. Not to more there's there's more in you. Not to more there's there's more in you. Not to earn it, but as a reflection of what earn it, but as a reflection of what earn it, but as a reflection of what he's done for you. If you'd say, "God, he's done for you. If you'd say, "God, he's done for you. If you'd say, "God, help me get ready." Would you would you help me get ready." Would you would you help me get ready." Would you would you lift your hands right now all over the lift your hands right now all over the lift your hands right now all over the place? Lift them up online. Just type in place? Lift them up online. Just type in place? Lift them up online. Just type in the comment section, "Help me get the comment section, "Help me get the comment section, "Help me get ready." Father, we thank you that that ready." Father, we thank you that that ready." Father, we thank you that that you're here and that your spirit's you're here and that your spirit's you're here and that your spirit's working in us and that your word is working in us and that your word is working in us and that your word is working on us. working on us. 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, and to share your truth, to love people, and to share your truth, to love people, and to to live like time is short because it to live like time is short because it to live like time is short because it is. God, give us an urgency, a courage is. God, give us an urgency, a courage is. God, give us an urgency, a courage to turn from the lower things, the to turn from the lower things, the to turn from the lower things, the sinful things, the broken things of this sinful things, the broken things of this sinful things, the broken things of this world and to turn to you and serve you world and to turn to you and serve you world 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 emotional moment at church, not just an emotional moment at church, not just an emotional moment at church, but God, a righteous craving to do your but God, a righteous craving to do your but God, a righteous craving to do your will. will. will. Get us ready. Get us ready. Get us ready. God, get us ready.

God, get us ready. God, get us ready. As you keep praying today, I'm just As you keep praying today, I'm just As you keep praying today, I'm just going to go go and say it like if Jesus going to go go and say it like if Jesus going to 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 because you don't know where be nervous because you don't know where be nervous because you don't know where you stand with God. Maybe you feel you stand with God. Maybe you feel you stand with God. Maybe you feel guilty for what you've done. Maybe you guilty for what you've done. Maybe you guilty for what you've done. Maybe you feel like you're not good enough. What feel like you're not good enough. What feel like you're not good enough. What I'm going to ask you to do right now is I'm going to ask you to do right now is I'm going to ask you to do right now is just to recognize you're not good just to recognize you're not good just to recognize you're not good enough. You'll never be good enough. I'm enough. You'll never be good enough. I'm enough. You'll never be good enough. I'm not good enough. You're not good enough. not good enough. You're not good enough. not good enough. You're not good enough. You can't be good enough. And you have You can't be good enough. And you have You can't be good enough. And you have to trust in his grace alone. The gospel to trust in his grace alone. The gospel to trust in his grace alone. The gospel is the good news. What is the gospel? is the good news. What is the gospel? is the good news. What is the gospel? For God so loved the world that he sent For God so loved the world that he sent For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, Jesus, who was his one and only son, Jesus, who was his one and only son, Jesus, who was without sin. He's called the lamb of God without sin. He's called the lamb of God without sin. He's called the lamb of God who died on a cross for the forgiveness who died on a cross for the forgiveness who died on a cross for the forgiveness of our sins and God raised him from the of our sins and God raised him from the of 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. Just say, "I need it." ready. Get ready. Just say, "I need it." ready. Get ready. Just 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." At all of our churches, those to him." At all of our churches, those to him." At all of our churches, those who say, "That's me. I don't know where who say, "That's me. I don't know where who say, "That's me. I don't know where I stand and I want to be ready. I want I stand and I want to be ready. I want I stand and I want to be ready. I want to know him. I want to serve him."

to know him. I want to serve him." to know him. I want to serve him." You're turning from your sins and you're You're turning from your sins and you're 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 I'll you guys. Right back over here, get I'll you guys. Right back over here, get I'll say yes, Jesus. Yes. Lift them up and say yes, Jesus. Yes. Lift them up and say yes, Jesus. Yes. Lift them up and say yes. God bless you. Others today say yes. God bless you. Others today say yes. God bless you. Others today said, "That's my prayer." Right back said, "That's my prayer." Right back said, "That's my prayer." Right back over there. Praise God. Oh yes, yes, over there. Praise God. Oh yes, yes, over there. Praise God. Oh yes, yes, yes. Both of you. Praise God [music] for yes. Both of you. Praise God [music] for yes. Both of you. Praise God [music] 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, I'm turning to Pray, "Heavenly Father, I'm turning to Pray, "Heavenly Father, I'm turning to you to serve you to be ready for your you to serve you to be ready for your you to serve you to be ready for your return. Jesus, save me. Forgive my sins. return. Jesus, save me. Forgive my sins. return. Jesus, save me. Forgive my sins. Fill me with your spirit so I could know Fill me with your spirit so I could know Fill me with your spirit so I could know you. My life is not my own. I give it you. My life is not my own. I give it you. My life is not my own. I give it all to you. Thank you for new life. You all to you. Thank you for new life. You all to you. Thank you for new life. You have mine. In Jesus name I pray. Church, have mine. In Jesus name I pray. Church, have mine. In Jesus name I pray. Church, could you celebrate the goodness of God?

could you celebrate the goodness of God? could you celebrate the goodness of God? Celebrate new life in Christ. Come on, Celebrate new life in Christ. Come on, Celebrate new life in Christ. Come on, give God glory. give God glory. give God glory. >> Hey, congratulations to those of you who >> Hey, congratulations to those of you who >> Hey, congratulations to those of you who just said yes to Jesus. That is the best just said yes to Jesus. That is the best just said yes to Jesus. That is the best decision that you can make. [music] And decision that you can make. [music] And decision that you can make. [music] And don't make that decision alone. Let don't make that decision alone. Let don't make that decision alone. Let somebody know. In fact, if you just somebody know. In fact, if you just somebody know. In fact, if you just click that link that's on [music] your click that link that's on [music] your click that link that's on [music] your screen and fill out that form, we would screen and fill out that form, we would screen and fill out that form, we would love the opportunity to give you a free love the opportunity to give you a free love the opportunity to give you a free devotional, 21 days [music] of what it devotional, 21 days [music] of what it devotional, 21 days [music] of what it looks like to walk with Jesus. looks like to walk with Jesus. looks like to walk with Jesus. >> Absolutely. And I just want to just >> Absolutely. And I just want to just >> Absolutely. And I just want to just speak in and remind you that when you speak in and remind you that when you speak in and remind you that when you give your life to Christ, you are a new give your life to Christ, you are a new give your life to Christ, you are a new [music] creation. The old is gone, the [music] creation. The old is gone, the [music] creation. The old is gone, the new has come, and you are beginning a new has come, and you are beginning a new has come, and you are beginning a journey today that is going to impact journey today that is going to impact journey today that is going to impact the rest of your life. So again, the rest of your life. So again, the rest of your life. So again, congratulations. Hey, I do want to do a congratulations. Hey, I do want to do a congratulations. Hey, I do want to do a quick reminder, though. If you stayed quick reminder, though. If you stayed quick reminder, though. If you stayed during the entire service today and you during the entire service today and you during the entire service today and you missed out the movies, you got to go missed out the movies, you got to go missed out the movies, you got to go check it out. Go to live.life.urch and check it out. Go to live.life.urch and check it out. Go to live.life.urch and you're going to see an incredible you're going to see an incredible you're going to see an incredible message. We're actually in week two message. We're actually in week two message. We're actually in week two right now, so don't miss [music] it. right now, so don't miss [music] it. right now, so don't miss [music] it. >> Yeah. Or you can just go to a local >> Yeah. Or you can just go to a local >> Yeah. Or you can just go to a local location and you can catch it in person. location and you can catch it in person. location and you can catch it in person. Seriously, don't miss it. Seriously, don't miss it. Seriously, don't miss it. >> Absolutely. Hey, wherever you are right >> Absolutely. Hey, wherever you are right >> Absolutely. Hey, wherever you are right now, we're so glad that you were here now, we're so glad that you were here now, we're so glad that you were here today. Come [music] back next week and today. Come [music] back next week and today. Come [music] back next week and bring a friend because we know that bring a friend because we know that bring a friend because we know that whoever finds God whoever finds God whoever finds God >> finds life.

>> finds life. >> finds life. >> Finds life. See you later. [music]