Episode 4: The End is Near

Hey, welcome to Revelation. It's not Hey, welcome to Revelation. It's not what you think. I'm Liz. what you think. I'm Liz. what you think. I'm Liz. >> And I'm Mario. And hey, something that I >> And I'm Mario. And hey, something that I >> And I'm Mario. And hey, something that I feel like gets talked about a lot around feel like gets talked about a lot around feel like gets talked about a lot around Christianity or I guess controversial in Christianity or I guess controversial in Christianity or I guess controversial in some ways is this idea of the end times. some ways is this idea of the end times. some ways is this idea of the end times. The end times, like when is it? What are The end times, like when is it? What are The end times, like when is it? What are the signs? Are we in it right now? And the signs? Are we in it right now? And the signs? Are we in it right now? And do we know a date? do we know a date? do we know a date? >> So, we're going to talk about it. >> So, we're going to talk about it. >> So, we're going to talk about it. >> I think I know a date. Tuesday. Tuesday. >> I think I know a date. Tuesday. Tuesday. >> I think I know a date. Tuesday. Tuesday. Tuesday. Tuesday. We've got pastors Tuesday. Tuesday. We've got pastors Tuesday. Tuesday. We've got pastors Shawn and Dwayne, our content developer, Shawn and Dwayne, our content developer, Shawn and Dwayne, our content developer, Lindsay, here to help us understand it a Lindsay, here to help us understand it a Lindsay, here to help us understand it a little bit more. little bit more. little bit more. >> And it does feel fitting that our final >> And it does feel fitting that our final >> And it does feel fitting that our final episode gives us a glimpse into the end episode gives us a glimpse into the end episode gives us a glimpse into the end time uh into the end, not the time into time uh into the end, not the time into time uh into the end, not the time into the end. Just the end. But I think it's the end. Just the end. But I think it's the end. Just the end. But I think it's uh it's more beautiful that than we can uh it's more beautiful that than we can uh it's more beautiful that than we can imagine. So let's dive in about this the imagine. So let's dive in about this the imagine. So let's dive in about this the beauty of uh of what Revelation beauty of uh of what Revelation beauty of uh of what Revelation describes here. describes here. describes here. >> So speaking of beauty, I'm going to read >> So speaking of beauty, I'm going to read >> So speaking of beauty, I'm going to read a passage from chapter 19. a passage from chapter 19. a passage from chapter 19. >> Here we go. That's about the most >> Here we go. That's about the most >> Here we go. That's about the most beautiful thing I've ever read. Then I beautiful thing I've ever read. Then I beautiful thing I've ever read. Then I saw heaven open, and behold, a white saw heaven open, and behold, a white saw heaven open, and behold, a white horse. The one sitting on it is called horse. The one sitting on it is called horse. The one sitting on it is called faithful and true, and in righteousness faithful and true, and in righteousness faithful and true, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are he judges and makes war. His eyes are he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head like a flame of fire, and on his head like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems. And he has a name are many diadems. And he has a name are many diadems. And he has a name written that no one knows but himself.

written that no one knows but himself. written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dripped in He is clothed in a robe dripped in He is clothed in a robe dripped in blood, and the name by which he is blood, and the name by which he is blood, and the name by which he is called is the word of God. And the called is the word of God. And the called is the word of God. And the armies of heaven arrayed in fine linen, armies of heaven arrayed in fine linen, armies of heaven arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white and pure, were following him on white and pure, were following him on white horses. A few verses later, it white horses. A few verses later, it white horses. A few verses later, it says, "And I saw a beast and the kings says, "And I saw a beast and the kings says, "And I saw a beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered of the earth with their armies gathered of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting to make war against him who was sitting to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army." Now, on the horse and against his army." Now, on the horse and against his army." Now, I said it was beautiful. I mean, it kind I said it was beautiful. I mean, it kind I said it was beautiful. I mean, it kind of is, but it also sounds like a big old of is, but it also sounds like a big old of is, but it also sounds like a big old battle. So, battle. So, battle. So, >> what is happening in chapter 19? >> what is happening in chapter 19? >> what is happening in chapter 19? >> Come on. Jesus is coming back. That's >> Come on. Jesus is coming back. That's >> Come on. Jesus is coming back. That's right. That's right. And then I mean right. That's right. And then I mean right. That's right. And then I mean it's a promise that's given to us it's a promise that's given to us it's a promise that's given to us multiple times in scripture, but this is multiple times in scripture, but this is multiple times in scripture, but this is the moment, you know, that you get a a the moment, you know, that you get a a the moment, you know, that you get a a picture of picture of picture of >> what Jesus return will look like. It's >> what Jesus return will look like. It's >> what Jesus return will look like. It's such a incredible picture. So we talked such a incredible picture. So we talked such a incredible picture. So we talked about earlier in an earlier episode that about earlier in an earlier episode that about earlier in an earlier episode that one of the things about Revelation, it's one of the things about Revelation, it's one of the things about Revelation, it's a revelation of Jesus. And so if you a revelation of Jesus. And so if you a revelation of Jesus. And so if you >> if you miss everything else than book of >> if you miss everything else than book of >> if you miss everything else than book of Revelation, don't miss Jesus. Yeah. Revelation, don't miss Jesus. Yeah. Revelation, don't miss Jesus. Yeah. >> And so there's these three anchoring >> And so there's these three anchoring >> And so there's these three anchoring images through the book of Revelation. images through the book of Revelation. images through the book of Revelation. So Revelation chapter one, he's the high So Revelation chapter one, he's the high So Revelation chapter one, he's the high priest. He's the go-between uh us and priest. He's the go-between uh us and priest. He's the go-between uh us and God. He's the bridge. He's the one God. He's the bridge. He's the one God. He's the bridge. He's the one that's walking amongst his churches. Uh that's walking amongst his churches. Uh that's walking amongst his churches. Uh you get to chapter five, he's the lamb you get to chapter five, he's the lamb you get to chapter five, he's the lamb uh that's sitting on the throne. And so uh that's sitting on the throne. And so uh that's sitting on the throne. And so he's the one who's reigning with all he's the one who's reigning with all he's the one who's reigning with all power because of his authority and power because of his authority and power because of his authority and because of his sacrifice.

because of his sacrifice. because of his sacrifice. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then you get to chapter 19 and he's >> And then you get to chapter 19 and he's >> And then you get to chapter 19 and he's the he's the king who returns and he's the he's the king who returns and he's the he's the king who returns and he's the king who returns for his people. the king who returns for his people. the king who returns for his people. >> And there's so many details in what you >> And there's so many details in what you >> And there's so many details in what you just there Liz that are just so rich. We just there Liz that are just so rich. We just there Liz that are just so rich. We should give you each one. should give you each one. should give you each one. >> It it's just it's so it it's just so >> It it's just it's so it it's just so >> It it's just it's so it it's just so rich in so many ways. Uh the detail just rich in so many ways. Uh the detail just rich in so many ways. Uh the detail just one of the details. It's interesting one of the details. It's interesting one of the details. It's interesting that it says is this robe is dipped in that it says is this robe is dipped in that it says is this robe is dipped in blood. blood. blood. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so it also talks about this whole >> And so it also talks about this whole >> And so it also talks about this whole what looks like this battle what looks like this battle what looks like this battle >> that's being set up. Yeah. >> that's being set up. Yeah. >> that's being set up. Yeah. >> And so you would think in a battle scene >> And so you would think in a battle scene >> And so you would think in a battle scene that the blood on your row would be from that the blood on your row would be from that the blood on your row would be from your enemy that you just took out. But your enemy that you just took out. But your enemy that you just took out. But it's not the blood of the enemy. It's it's not the blood of the enemy. It's it's not the blood of the enemy. It's his own blood. his own blood. his own blood. >> Which is the indication. This battle is >> Which is the indication. This battle is >> Which is the indication. This battle is actually not even necessary because the actually not even necessary because the actually not even necessary because the victory was already won on the cross victory was already won on the cross victory was already won on the cross through his own blood. So what's through his own blood. So what's through his own blood. So what's interesting in what you just read there, interesting in what you just read there, interesting in what you just read there, Liz, everybody assembles for battle, but Liz, everybody assembles for battle, but Liz, everybody assembles for battle, but the battle never happens. the battle never happens. the battle never happens. >> The battle's not needed. >> The battle's not needed. >> The battle's not needed. >> Victory is already secure. Victory is >> Victory is already secure. Victory is >> Victory is already secure. Victory is already won. The moment that the already won. The moment that the already won. The moment that the returning king speaks, the dragon and returning king speaks, the dragon and returning king speaks, the dragon and the beasts meet their end and they meet the beasts meet their end and they meet the beasts meet their end and they meet their judgment. You don't need a battle.

their judgment. You don't need a battle. their judgment. You don't need a battle. It's never fought. Uh because we don't It's never fought. Uh because we don't It's never fought. Uh because we don't serve a king who came in violent ways. serve a king who came in violent ways. serve a king who came in violent ways. He was contrary to the empire. Uh he He was contrary to the empire. Uh he He was contrary to the empire. Uh he came with love and redemption and came with love and redemption and came with love and redemption and through self-sacrifice. That's how he through self-sacrifice. That's how he through self-sacrifice. That's how he won victory. Now certainly there's going won victory. Now certainly there's going won victory. Now certainly there's going to be a judgment against evil and the to be a judgment against evil and the to be a judgment against evil and the evil gets judgment. But there's no evil gets judgment. But there's no evil gets judgment. But there's no battle that's necessary. battle that's necessary. battle that's necessary. >> So let let's talk about that. Did you >> So let let's talk about that. Did you >> So let let's talk about that. Did you want to add something? want to add something? want to add something? >> No, I'm okay. >> No, I'm okay. >> No, I'm okay. >> Let's talk about that judgment. So it >> Let's talk about that judgment. So it >> Let's talk about that judgment. So it talks about the final courtroom and for talks about the final courtroom and for talks about the final courtroom and for many this idea of judgment is scary and many this idea of judgment is scary and many this idea of judgment is scary and we again we've talked about growing up we again we've talked about growing up we again we've talked about growing up like reading some of this stuff and it like reading some of this stuff and it like reading some of this stuff and it it does sound scary. So how should we as it does sound scary. So how should we as it does sound scary. So how should we as Christians view this part of the of Christians view this part of the of Christians view this part of the of Revelation? Revelation? Revelation? >> Yeah. I mean uh the Bible makes clear >> Yeah. I mean uh the Bible makes clear >> Yeah. I mean uh the Bible makes clear that we will all stand in judgment that we will all stand in judgment that we will all stand in judgment before the Lord. Um and the decision is before the Lord. Um and the decision is before the Lord. Um and the decision is whether we are his or not. And that whether we are his or not. And that whether we are his or not. And that decision has been made uh through God's decision has been made uh through God's decision has been made uh through God's grace uh and through our acceptance of grace uh and through our acceptance of grace uh and through our acceptance of his free gift of salvation. Right? And his free gift of salvation. Right? And his free gift of salvation. Right? And so the idea of judgment on in our so the idea of judgment on in our so the idea of judgment on in our earthly context is we often look at it earthly context is we often look at it earthly context is we often look at it as a way to observe people. But biblical as a way to observe people. But biblical as a way to observe people. But biblical judgment actually means condemnation. Uh judgment actually means condemnation. Uh judgment actually means condemnation. Uh and the only person who has the power to and the only person who has the power to and the only person who has the power to condemn is God. Not us.

condemn is God. Not us. condemn is God. Not us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and so we all sit before judgment. >> Um and so we all sit before judgment. >> Um and so we all sit before judgment. One of the greatest sermons ever One of the greatest sermons ever One of the greatest sermons ever preached. Uh the pastor got on the stage preached. Uh the pastor got on the stage preached. Uh the pastor got on the stage and he said these words from Hebrews 9. and he said these words from Hebrews 9. and he said these words from Hebrews 9. It is appointed once for man to die and It is appointed once for man to die and It is appointed once for man to die and then there is judgment. then there is judgment. then there is judgment. >> And he just said it over and over and >> And he just said it over and over and >> And he just said it over and over and over and over. And he watched as the over and over. And he watched as the over and over. And he watched as the congregation began to reflect on the congregation began to reflect on the congregation began to reflect on the reality um that there is judgment reality um that there is judgment reality um that there is judgment coming. It's God's righteous judgment. coming. It's God's righteous judgment. coming. It's God's righteous judgment. And it's really important to mention And it's really important to mention And it's really important to mention righteous righteous righteous >> because he is a righteous king, right? >> You you you tapped into something that's >> You you you tapped into something that's really important. So we talked about really important. So we talked about really important. So we talked about like the fear that often times gets like the fear that often times gets like the fear that often times gets attached to judgment. attached to judgment. attached to judgment. >> We've said this in earlier episodes. I >> We've said this in earlier episodes. I >> We've said this in earlier episodes. I think Revelation was written not to think Revelation was written not to think Revelation was written not to scare us but to prepare us. Yeah. And scare us but to prepare us. Yeah. And scare us but to prepare us. Yeah. And >> so there is a to prepare us part to this >> so there is a to prepare us part to this >> so there is a to prepare us part to this >> that if we are aware of a coming >> that if we are aware of a coming >> that if we are aware of a coming judgment, it actually prepares us for judgment, it actually prepares us for judgment, it actually prepares us for how we choose to live today. And I how we choose to live today. And I how we choose to live today. And I actually think there's not one, but actually think there's not one, but actually think there's not one, but there's actually two judgments. Yeah. Uh there's actually two judgments. Yeah. Uh there's actually two judgments. Yeah. Uh in scripture.

in scripture. in scripture. >> Say more. >> Say more. >> Say more. >> And so judgment number one, it, you >> And so judgment number one, it, you >> And so judgment number one, it, you know, it's the Matthew chapter 25. It's know, it's the Matthew chapter 25. It's know, it's the Matthew chapter 25. It's the sheep and the goats. It's it's those the sheep and the goats. It's it's those the sheep and the goats. It's it's those who are connected to the to to Jesus and who are connected to the to to Jesus and who are connected to the to to Jesus and those who are not. And so those who are not. And so those who are not. And so let me use a little creative license for let me use a little creative license for let me use a little creative license for this. And so not all of this is is is uh this. And so not all of this is is is uh this. And so not all of this is is is uh written specifically in scripture, but written specifically in scripture, but written specifically in scripture, but it's how in my mind's eye I I can see it's how in my mind's eye I I can see it's how in my mind's eye I I can see it. Like I could imagine, you know, it. Like I could imagine, you know, it. Like I could imagine, you know, almost this courtroom scene. You know, almost this courtroom scene. You know, almost this courtroom scene. You know, on one side there's just all these books on one side there's just all these books on one side there's just all these books and the in the the contents of those and the in the the contents of those and the in the the contents of those books are everything that we've ever books are everything that we've ever books are everything that we've ever done wrong. done wrong. done wrong. >> Now, if I'm not connected to Jesus, I'm >> Now, if I'm not connected to Jesus, I'm >> Now, if I'm not connected to Jesus, I'm going to be judged by all of that stuff. going to be judged by all of that stuff. going to be judged by all of that stuff. and all of those books. and all of those books. and all of those books. >> When I'm connected to Jesus, he's >> When I'm connected to Jesus, he's >> When I'm connected to Jesus, he's already paid the penalty for all of already paid the penalty for all of already paid the penalty for all of those things. those things. those things. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so, I'm not judged by what I've >> And so, I'm not judged by what I've >> And so, I'm not judged by what I've done. Uh I can experience salvation done. Uh I can experience salvation done. Uh I can experience salvation through him because he's already through him because he's already through him because he's already experienced that on my behalf. experienced that on my behalf. experienced that on my behalf. >> And so, the first judgment is really the >> And so, the first judgment is really the >> And so, the first judgment is really the one that's really based on salvation. It one that's really based on salvation. It one that's really based on salvation. It determines our eternal destiny. Were we determines our eternal destiny. Were we determines our eternal destiny. Were we with Christ or we not? Are we going to with Christ or we not? Are we going to with Christ or we not? Are we going to spend eternity with Christ or we not?

spend eternity with Christ or we not? spend eternity with Christ or we not? But even those who align their life with But even those who align their life with But even those who align their life with Jesus and he paid the penalty for our Jesus and he paid the penalty for our Jesus and he paid the penalty for our sin, I do think there's a second sin, I do think there's a second sin, I do think there's a second judgment. And what I mean by that is judgment. And what I mean by that is judgment. And what I mean by that is Bible's also really clear that uh we are Bible's also really clear that uh we are Bible's also really clear that uh we are rewarded for what we've done on earth. rewarded for what we've done on earth. rewarded for what we've done on earth. And so it's not a the second judgment is And so it's not a the second judgment is And so it's not a the second judgment is not a salvific one. We're going to spend not a salvific one. We're going to spend not a salvific one. We're going to spend eternity with Jesus. eternity with Jesus. eternity with Jesus. >> But there's this sense that there are >> But there's this sense that there are >> But there's this sense that there are certain things that are rewarded here on certain things that are rewarded here on certain things that are rewarded here on this earth. And so how we live, how we this earth. And so how we live, how we this earth. And so how we live, how we love, how we serve, how we shared the love, how we serve, how we shared the love, how we serve, how we shared the gospel with those that didn't know it, gospel with those that didn't know it, gospel with those that didn't know it, uh how we were willing to endure uh how we were willing to endure uh how we were willing to endure suffering for the sake of the king. Uh suffering for the sake of the king. Uh suffering for the sake of the king. Uh all of those things actually matter and all of those things actually matter and all of those things actually matter and all of those things will actually be all of those things will actually be all of those things will actually be rewarded. And so I think revelation rewarded. And so I think revelation rewarded. And so I think revelation helps prepare us for both of those. helps prepare us for both of those. helps prepare us for both of those. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And so one of those is I got to stop and >> And so one of those is I got to stop and >> And so one of those is I got to stop and look at my life and go, is my life look at my life and go, is my life look at my life and go, is my life connected to Jesus? Am I fully aligned connected to Jesus? Am I fully aligned connected to Jesus? Am I fully aligned with him? If so, I've got nothing to with him? If so, I've got nothing to with him? If so, I've got nothing to fear about the first judgment. That's fear about the first judgment. That's fear about the first judgment. That's right. right. right. >> Uh I don't have to live in fear. I'm I'm >> Uh I don't have to live in fear. I'm I'm >> Uh I don't have to live in fear. I'm I'm prepared.

prepared. prepared. >> And then uh I get really motivated by >> And then uh I get really motivated by >> And then uh I get really motivated by the second judgment. Uh how do I the second judgment. Uh how do I the second judgment. Uh how do I >> pour out my life as Paul described as a >> pour out my life as Paul described as a >> pour out my life as Paul described as a drink offering? How do I pour out my drink offering? How do I pour out my drink offering? How do I pour out my life for the sake of the king? Trade my life for the sake of the king? Trade my life for the sake of the king? Trade my life on this earth for the sake of of life on this earth for the sake of of life on this earth for the sake of of making his name known. Uh knowing that making his name known. Uh knowing that making his name known. Uh knowing that God will reward that in some way. And God will reward that in some way. And God will reward that in some way. And it's not about my glory when it comes to it's not about my glory when it comes to it's not about my glory when it comes to that day, but it's about being rewarded that day, but it's about being rewarded that day, but it's about being rewarded to uh to shine as much light to his to uh to shine as much light to his to uh to shine as much light to his glory as we possibly can. glory as we possibly can. glory as we possibly can. >> Can you break that down a little bit >> Can you break that down a little bit >> Can you break that down a little bit just so that it doesn't get lost in just so that it doesn't get lost in just so that it doesn't get lost in translation? So the just describe the translation? So the just describe the translation? So the just describe the two the the saved by grace peace and two the the saved by grace peace and two the the saved by grace peace and these rewards by how you lived out your these rewards by how you lived out your these rewards by how you lived out your faith. faith. faith. >> Yeah. I mean, we're saved by grace >> Yeah. I mean, we're saved by grace >> Yeah. I mean, we're saved by grace through faith. It is a gift to God. It's through faith. It is a gift to God. It's through faith. It is a gift to God. It's not based on our works. So that first not based on our works. So that first not based on our works. So that first judgment is not based on who we are or judgment is not based on who we are or judgment is not based on who we are or what we've done is based on Jesus work what we've done is based on Jesus work what we've done is based on Jesus work on the cross. on the cross. on the cross. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> And so if we've connected our life to >> And so if we've connected our life to >> And so if we've connected our life to follow him, salvation is based on Jesus, follow him, salvation is based on Jesus, follow him, salvation is based on Jesus, >> not by our works. >> not by our works. >> not by our works. >> Great. >> Great. >> Great. >> Judgment too is connected to our works.

>> Judgment too is connected to our works. >> Judgment too is connected to our works. >> And those works get seen and they get >> And those works get seen and they get >> And those works get seen and they get rewarded. rewarded. rewarded. >> I don't know exactly how that works. I >> I don't know exactly how that works. I >> I don't know exactly how that works. I don't know exactly what the reward is. I don't know exactly what the reward is. I don't know exactly what the reward is. I don't know exactly how that plays out. don't know exactly how that plays out. don't know exactly how that plays out. >> Uh but the Bible's pretty clear. says it >> Uh but the Bible's pretty clear. says it >> Uh but the Bible's pretty clear. says it multiple times throughout scripture that multiple times throughout scripture that multiple times throughout scripture that there is a reward. And so there is a reward. And so there is a reward. And so >> um I actually think that we can >> um I actually think that we can >> um I actually think that we can >> be motivated, you know, by that. We >> be motivated, you know, by that. We >> be motivated, you know, by that. We >> um we we don't we don't necessarily >> um we we don't we don't necessarily >> um we we don't we don't necessarily strive for victory. We strive from it. strive for victory. We strive from it. strive for victory. We strive from it. >> Yeah. It's already secure for the >> Yeah. It's already secure for the >> Yeah. It's already secure for the believer. believer. believer. >> Um and so if we can live from that >> Um and so if we can live from that >> Um and so if we can live from that victory, um victory, um victory, um >> again, I think that it's actually >> again, I think that it's actually >> again, I think that it's actually something to look forward to, not something to look forward to, not something to look forward to, not something to be afraid of. something to be afraid of. something to be afraid of. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And when you were asking the >> Yeah. And when you were asking the >> Yeah. And when you were asking the question, when you were kind of playing question, when you were kind of playing question, when you were kind of playing it out, how I love, how I serve, I'm it out, how I love, how I serve, I'm it out, how I love, how I serve, I'm going to give you credit for the word going to give you credit for the word going to give you credit for the word choice there. It wasn't what I do, it's choice there. It wasn't what I do, it's choice there. It wasn't what I do, it's how I do it, right? how I do it, right? how I do it, right? >> Because >> Because >> Because >> when we think about rewards, >> when we think about rewards, >> when we think about rewards, jewels in your crown, diadems on your jewels in your crown, diadems on your jewels in your crown, diadems on your head, you know, um head, you know, um head, you know, um >> you could easily want to rack up what >> you could easily want to rack up what >> you could easily want to rack up what you did. And at the end of the day, you did. And at the end of the day, you did. And at the end of the day, God's not judging necessarily even what God's not judging necessarily even what God's not judging necessarily even what you did, but how you did it. And that you did, but how you did it. And that you did, but how you did it. And that feels like a good differentiator because feels like a good differentiator because feels like a good differentiator because we can then easily swing into a we can then easily swing into a we can then easily swing into a worksbased worksbased worksbased >> and a performance failure.

>> and a performance failure. >> and a performance failure. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I could you could be the senior pastor >> I could you could be the senior pastor >> I could you could be the senior pastor of a church, but how you did it, did it of a church, but how you did it, did it of a church, but how you did it, did it honor God? Right. honor God? Right. honor God? Right. >> That's a great distinction, Liz, >> That's a great distinction, Liz, >> That's a great distinction, Liz, >> in the sense that I think some of the >> in the sense that I think some of the >> in the sense that I think some of the things that we hold as our trophies here things that we hold as our trophies here things that we hold as our trophies here on this earth, God doesn't really care on this earth, God doesn't really care on this earth, God doesn't really care about. Yeah, about. Yeah, about. Yeah, >> how we define success on this earth. I >> how we define success on this earth. I >> how we define success on this earth. I don't think that that is going to earn don't think that that is going to earn don't think that that is going to earn us the crown. You know, I'm fortunate us the crown. You know, I'm fortunate us the crown. You know, I'm fortunate enough to get to to lead a great church. enough to get to to lead a great church. enough to get to to lead a great church. >> But the first question I'm going to be >> But the first question I'm going to be >> But the first question I'm going to be asked when I get to Gloria is not how asked when I get to Gloria is not how asked when I get to Gloria is not how how big was the church that you got to how big was the church that you got to how big was the church that you got to lead. It just doesn't matter in the lead. It just doesn't matter in the lead. It just doesn't matter in the context of eternity. But to your point, context of eternity. But to your point, context of eternity. But to your point, what does matter is how did I treat the what does matter is how did I treat the what does matter is how did I treat the people? How did I love well? How did I people? How did I love well? How did I people? How did I love well? How did I steward my life sacrificially for those steward my life sacrificially for those steward my life sacrificially for those that got brought under my care? That's that got brought under my care? That's that got brought under my care? That's what matters. That's right. what matters. That's right. what matters. That's right. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I think it's an emphasis >> Yeah. Yeah. And I think it's an emphasis >> Yeah. Yeah. And I think it's an emphasis too that just shows us the overarching too that just shows us the overarching too that just shows us the overarching message of the word of God. Right. The message of the word of God. Right. The message of the word of God. Right. The promise given to a given to Abraham was promise given to a given to Abraham was promise given to a given to Abraham was that he would um all nations would be that he would um all nations would be that he would um all nations would be blessed through him. blessed through him. blessed through him. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That continues >> That continues >> That continues >> came in through Jesus and continues >> came in through Jesus and continues >> came in through Jesus and continues through us the church. And so through us the church. And so through us the church. And so >> the salvation might be personal but it's >> the salvation might be personal but it's >> the salvation might be personal but it's never meant to be something that we keep never meant to be something that we keep never meant to be something that we keep to ourselves. It's meant to be a to ourselves. It's meant to be a to ourselves. It's meant to be a catalyst to then bring the kingdom to catalyst to then bring the kingdom to catalyst to then bring the kingdom to earth now, right? And live that out as a earth now, right? And live that out as a earth now, right? And live that out as a blessing to other people. And you know, blessing to other people. And you know, blessing to other people. And you know, if we keep it to ourselves and we don't if we keep it to ourselves and we don't if we keep it to ourselves and we don't truly recognize that there's work to do truly recognize that there's work to do truly recognize that there's work to do here.

here. here. >> Um we're we're not living out the >> Um we're we're not living out the >> Um we're we're not living out the gospel. gospel. gospel. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> Yeah. Good news is meant to be shared. >> Yeah. Good news is meant to be shared. >> Yeah. Good news is meant to be shared. >> Yes. Amen. And Lindsay, you alluded to >> Yes. Amen. And Lindsay, you alluded to >> Yes. Amen. And Lindsay, you alluded to something of we're meant to bring the something of we're meant to bring the something of we're meant to bring the kingdom here. kingdom here. kingdom here. >> Yeah. I think about the Lord's Prayer. >> Yeah. I think about the Lord's Prayer. >> Yeah. I think about the Lord's Prayer. We're asking for the kingdom to be on We're asking for the kingdom to be on We're asking for the kingdom to be on earth as it is in heaven. earth as it is in heaven. earth as it is in heaven. >> So often I've thought about heaven as >> So often I've thought about heaven as >> So often I've thought about heaven as basically glowing orbs. We're all like basically glowing orbs. We're all like basically glowing orbs. We're all like floating. You die. It It's in cartoons, floating. You die. It It's in cartoons, floating. You die. It It's in cartoons, right? You die and your little spirit right? You die and your little spirit right? You die and your little spirit like floats up to the sky. like floats up to the sky. like floats up to the sky. >> I think a lot of people think >> I think a lot of people think >> I think a lot of people think >> Exactly. Okay. So [laughter] let's dive >> Exactly. Okay. So [laughter] let's dive >> Exactly. Okay. So [laughter] let's dive into what Revelation says about heaven. into what Revelation says about heaven. into what Revelation says about heaven. pastors. pastors. pastors. >> Well, I can tell you what it doesn't >> Well, I can tell you what it doesn't >> Well, I can tell you what it doesn't say. Um, it doesn't say it's glowing say. Um, it doesn't say it's glowing say. Um, it doesn't say it's glowing orbs. orbs. orbs. >> There we [laughter] go. >> There we [laughter] go. >> There we [laughter] go. >> With little uh with the white cloud >> With little uh with the white cloud >> With little uh with the white cloud babies floating around, toilet paper babies floating around, toilet paper babies floating around, toilet paper wings. wings. wings. >> No. Uh, it's it's not it's not a a a >> No. Uh, it's it's not it's not a a a >> No. Uh, it's it's not it's not a a a cloud dwelling escape. cloud dwelling escape. cloud dwelling escape. >> Um, what the Bible speaks of in in >> Um, what the Bible speaks of in in >> Um, what the Bible speaks of in in heaven is a renewal, a renewal of our heaven is a renewal, a renewal of our heaven is a renewal, a renewal of our cities, a renewal of our bodies, a cities, a renewal of our bodies, a cities, a renewal of our bodies, a renewal of our world.

renewal of our world. renewal of our world. Um, and you know, I love what Paul says Um, and you know, I love what Paul says Um, and you know, I love what Paul says even just about our bodies. He says that even just about our bodies. He says that even just about our bodies. He says that these earthly bodies are meant that these earthly bodies are meant that these earthly bodies are meant that they're they're like a tent and that our they're they're like a tent and that our they're they're like a tent and that our heavenly body in restoration is like a heavenly body in restoration is like a heavenly body in restoration is like a home. home. home. >> Um, it is an eternal idea, right? And on >> Um, it is an eternal idea, right? And on >> Um, it is an eternal idea, right? And on this side of eternity, it's hard to this side of eternity, it's hard to this side of eternity, it's hard to fathom the idea of both getting to be fathom the idea of both getting to be fathom the idea of both getting to be with Jesus and then seeing the renewal with Jesus and then seeing the renewal with Jesus and then seeing the renewal of all things and the end of all things of all things and the end of all things of all things and the end of all things evil and God doing what only God can do. evil and God doing what only God can do. evil and God doing what only God can do. But that's exactly what scripture But that's exactly what scripture But that's exactly what scripture reveals. reveals. reveals. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. We actually just uh >> Yeah. We actually just uh >> Yeah. We actually just uh >> yeah, I was gonna ask about that. >> yeah, I was gonna ask about that. >> yeah, I was gonna ask about that. >> We just talked about a lot of this >> We just talked about a lot of this >> We just talked about a lot of this yesterday actually. Um and I spent a lot yesterday actually. Um and I spent a lot yesterday actually. Um and I spent a lot of time in this portion of Revelation of time in this portion of Revelation of time in this portion of Revelation last week and early this week and it I last week and early this week and it I last week and early this week and it I mean I hope everybody reads chapters 21 mean I hope everybody reads chapters 21 mean I hope everybody reads chapters 21 and 22 like three or four or five times. and 22 like three or four or five times. and 22 like three or four or five times. I mean it is it's amazing. And the thing I mean it is it's amazing. And the thing I mean it is it's amazing. And the thing I think one of the things that we we I think one of the things that we we I think one of the things that we we often times think that heaven is this often times think that heaven is this often times think that heaven is this sort of ethereal secondary like other sort of ethereal secondary like other sort of ethereal secondary like other but God says that he is going to bring but God says that he is going to bring but God says that he is going to bring down the new Jerusalem. So it's a down the new Jerusalem. So it's a down the new Jerusalem. So it's a tangible tangible tangible physical place. Now the language John physical place. Now the language John physical place. Now the language John uses here is like holy smokes. I mean, uses here is like holy smokes. I mean, uses here is like holy smokes. I mean, we can't even fully get our minds around we can't even fully get our minds around we can't even fully get our minds around what this might look like, but the the what this might look like, but the the what this might look like, but the the principles there is, you know, it says principles there is, you know, it says principles there is, you know, it says that he's going he's making everything that he's going he's making everything that he's going he's making everything new. He's not making a new thing, new. He's not making a new thing, new. He's not making a new thing, >> which means he's restoring. He's >> which means he's restoring. He's >> which means he's restoring. He's bringing things back to the way that bringing things back to the way that bringing things back to the way that they were supposed to be, and it is

they were supposed to be, and it is they were supposed to be, and it is going to be going to be going to be >> amazing. I mean, even, you know, when we >> amazing. I mean, even, you know, when we >> amazing. I mean, even, you know, when we hear about like streets of gold, I I hear about like streets of gold, I I hear about like streets of gold, I I heard this one Bible teacher talking heard this one Bible teacher talking heard this one Bible teacher talking about how gold something that we value about how gold something that we value about how gold something that we value so much right now, right? I mean, I even so much right now, right? I mean, I even so much right now, right? I mean, I even was just heard an ad the other day that was just heard an ad the other day that was just heard an ad the other day that was like, "We'll help you turn your 401k was like, "We'll help you turn your 401k was like, "We'll help you turn your 401k into gold so that it," you know, into gold so that it," you know, into gold so that it," you know, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> It's going to be a material we walk on. >> It's going to be a material we walk on. >> It's going to be a material we walk on. >> Yeah. So like if it's something we walk >> Yeah. So like if it's something we walk >> Yeah. So like if it's something we walk on, the value of things just in the on, the value of things just in the on, the value of things just in the kingdom are so different than what they kingdom are so different than what they kingdom are so different than what they are here. And it's it gives us an are here. And it's it gives us an are here. And it's it gives us an excitement, I think, and should motivate excitement, I think, and should motivate excitement, I think, and should motivate us to recognize like, us to recognize like, us to recognize like, >> oh, okay, it's a physical tangible thing >> oh, okay, it's a physical tangible thing >> oh, okay, it's a physical tangible thing that this earth is somehow a part of. that this earth is somehow a part of. that this earth is somehow a part of. you know, there's a mystery to this, but you know, there's a mystery to this, but you know, there's a mystery to this, but so let us live well now that we might so let us live well now that we might so let us live well now that we might then live well then, too. Does that if then live well then, too. Does that if then live well then, too. Does that if that makes sense? that makes sense? that makes sense? >> That's helpful. >> That's helpful. >> That's helpful. >> Just for those that, you know, we we >> Just for those that, you know, we we >> Just for those that, you know, we we mentioned this in the first episode for mentioned this in the first episode for mentioned this in the first episode for for those that don't know Lindsay, she for those that don't know Lindsay, she for those that don't know Lindsay, she has been sitting in Revelation for a has been sitting in Revelation for a has been sitting in Revelation for a long time with Pastor Shawn and has long time with Pastor Shawn and has long time with Pastor Shawn and has created I mean, just a lot of the created I mean, just a lot of the created I mean, just a lot of the content that we're walking through. So, content that we're walking through. So, content that we're walking through. So, she's a lovely human and you've done a she's a lovely human and you've done a she's a lovely human and you've done a lot of work towards this and learned a lot of work towards this and learned a lot of work towards this and learned a lot from you in this in this series.

lot from you in this in this series. lot from you in this in this series. >> When when I think about heaven, I I feel >> When when I think about heaven, I I feel >> When when I think about heaven, I I feel like my kids teach me a lot about this. like my kids teach me a lot about this. like my kids teach me a lot about this. I've got enough baggage of 36 years of I've got enough baggage of 36 years of I've got enough baggage of 36 years of life that there are different things life that there are different things life that there are different things that I need to rewire, you know, in my that I need to rewire, you know, in my that I need to rewire, you know, in my own theology at times. And sometimes I own theology at times. And sometimes I own theology at times. And sometimes I think about how my life is so good, but think about how my life is so good, but think about how my life is so good, but then it can pale in comparison to then it can pale in comparison to then it can pale in comparison to heaven. But I can only imagine my heaven. But I can only imagine my heaven. But I can only imagine my reality now. And I was I've got four reality now. And I was I've got four reality now. And I was I've got four kids and I was having a conversation kids and I was having a conversation kids and I was having a conversation with my oldest while one of the younger with my oldest while one of the younger with my oldest while one of the younger ones was being kind of nutty. And I ones was being kind of nutty. And I ones was being kind of nutty. And I said, "Well, you're going to be stuck said, "Well, you're going to be stuck said, "Well, you're going to be stuck with her for the rest of your life." And with her for the rest of your life." And with her for the rest of your life." And cuz you know, siblings. cuz you know, siblings. cuz you know, siblings. And she goes, "Well, so are you." And And she goes, "Well, so are you." And And she goes, "Well, so are you." And then in heaven. And I was like, then in heaven. And I was like, then in heaven. And I was like, [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] "How beautiful. How beautiful. That "How beautiful. How beautiful. That "How beautiful. How beautiful. That that's so true that that's so true that that's so true that >> we don't know what exactly that's going >> we don't know what exactly that's going >> we don't know what exactly that's going to be like, but the relationships that to be like, but the relationships that to be like, but the relationships that we have here we have here we have here will carry over.

will carry over. will carry over. >> How does how does our view of heaven >> How does how does our view of heaven >> How does how does our view of heaven change how we live today? change how we live today? change how we live today? >> That's a good question. >> That's a good question. >> That's a good question. >> Gosh, I think it >> Gosh, I think it >> Gosh, I think it changes so many things. Um, changes so many things. Um, changes so many things. Um, >> let me let me can I start by just giving >> let me let me can I start by just giving >> let me let me can I start by just giving a couple just nuggets of why I what I a couple just nuggets of why I what I a couple just nuggets of why I what I see in Revelation 2021. I can't even say see in Revelation 2021. I can't even say see in Revelation 2021. I can't even say the right numbers. 21 and 22. There we the right numbers. 21 and 22. There we the right numbers. 21 and 22. There we go. go. go. >> Uh, yes, you're allowed to. >> Uh, yes, you're allowed to. >> Uh, yes, you're allowed to. >> And then like come back to that. So, >> And then like come back to that. So, >> And then like come back to that. So, there's there's a couple things that I there's there's a couple things that I there's there's a couple things that I think that we can see pretty clearly. think that we can see pretty clearly. think that we can see pretty clearly. First is the first two chapters of the First is the first two chapters of the First is the first two chapters of the Bible, meaning like Genesis 1 and 2 and Bible, meaning like Genesis 1 and 2 and Bible, meaning like Genesis 1 and 2 and the last chapters, two chapters of the the last chapters, two chapters of the the last chapters, two chapters of the Bible, Revelation 21-22, are almost like Bible, Revelation 21-22, are almost like Bible, Revelation 21-22, are almost like a mirror. a mirror. a mirror. >> Mhm. So when God created everything, it >> Mhm. So when God created everything, it >> Mhm. So when God created everything, it was good. It was perfect. It worked in was good. It was perfect. It worked in was good. It was perfect. It worked in full harmony. There was no sense of sin full harmony. There was no sense of sin full harmony. There was no sense of sin anywhere. And so when Lindsay's anywhere. And so when Lindsay's anywhere. And so when Lindsay's describing God's not just making a new describing God's not just making a new describing God's not just making a new thing, God's making everything new. He's thing, God's making everything new. He's thing, God's making everything new. He's restoring it to the garden. restoring it to the garden. restoring it to the garden. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Where where it's this living in perfect >> Where where it's this living in perfect >> Where where it's this living in perfect harmony with what God has created, harmony with what God has created, harmony with what God has created, perfect harmony with one another, perfect harmony with one another, perfect harmony with one another, perfect harmony with with God. We can't perfect harmony with with God. We can't perfect harmony with with God. We can't even begin to wrap our heads around what even begin to wrap our heads around what even begin to wrap our heads around what that really means, what that really that really means, what that really that really means, what that really looks like. But I think that's the looks like. But I think that's the looks like. But I think that's the image. There's actually a tree of life image. There's actually a tree of life image. There's actually a tree of life in Genesis chapter 1 and two, the tree in Genesis chapter 1 and two, the tree in Genesis chapter 1 and two, the tree of life in Revelation chapter 21 and 22.

of life in Revelation chapter 21 and 22. of life in Revelation chapter 21 and 22. And so I heard somebody say one time, And so I heard somebody say one time, And so I heard somebody say one time, right now we just are we're living right now we just are we're living right now we just are we're living between the trees. between the trees. between the trees. >> And between the trees is pretty broken. >> And between the trees is pretty broken. >> And between the trees is pretty broken. >> Uh it's not yet been renewed fully. Uh >> Uh it's not yet been renewed fully. Uh >> Uh it's not yet been renewed fully. Uh but on the other side of those trees, but on the other side of those trees, but on the other side of those trees, you actually have this picture of God's you actually have this picture of God's you actually have this picture of God's perfect harmonious creation. perfect harmonious creation. perfect harmonious creation. >> I think the second thing that's >> I think the second thing that's >> I think the second thing that's important to see is that um important to see is that um important to see is that um >> it's what Lindsay was describing >> it's what Lindsay was describing >> it's what Lindsay was describing earlier. There's there's so many details earlier. There's there's so many details earlier. There's there's so many details that I think John uses the most that I think John uses the most that I think John uses the most expressive language possible to try to expressive language possible to try to expressive language possible to try to communicate what he's what he's seeing. communicate what he's what he's seeing. communicate what he's what he's seeing. It's almost like It's almost like It's almost like >> uh I'm trying to think of the nicest >> uh I'm trying to think of the nicest >> uh I'm trying to think of the nicest place I've ever been. I got to travel to place I've ever been. I got to travel to place I've ever been. I got to travel to Switzerland one time. It's gorgeous. Switzerland one time. It's gorgeous. Switzerland one time. It's gorgeous. Like everywhere you look in Switzerland Like everywhere you look in Switzerland Like everywhere you look in Switzerland is pretty. is pretty. is pretty. >> And if you come home and you try to >> And if you come home and you try to >> And if you come home and you try to describe Switzerland to somebody who's describe Switzerland to somebody who's describe Switzerland to somebody who's never been there, you there's not never been there, you there's not never been there, you there's not language for it. I can't fully put it language for it. I can't fully put it language for it. I can't fully put it into words. Even if I took a few into words. Even if I took a few into words. Even if I took a few pictures and I showed you the pictures, pictures and I showed you the pictures, pictures and I showed you the pictures, the pictures don't even fully capture it the pictures don't even fully capture it the pictures don't even fully capture it for you. for you. for you. >> And so I I think that's what John's >> And so I I think that's what John's >> And so I I think that's what John's doing here. He's trying to use the most doing here. He's trying to use the most doing here. He's trying to use the most expressive language expressive language expressive language >> possible to paint a picture that >> possible to paint a picture that >> possible to paint a picture that language can't fully capture. Yeah. And language can't fully capture. Yeah. And language can't fully capture. Yeah. And >> so we can't really fully, >> so we can't really fully, >> so we can't really fully, >> you know, wrap our heads, you know, >> you know, wrap our heads, you know, >> you know, wrap our heads, you know, around it. But I think the most around it. But I think the most around it. But I think the most important detail in 21 and 22 is uh it's important detail in 21 and 22 is uh it's important detail in 21 and 22 is uh it's actually in 21:3. I think it's verse actually in 21:3. I think it's verse actually in 21:3. I think it's verse three. Yeah. Uh look, I heard a loud three. Yeah. Uh look, I heard a loud three. Yeah. Uh look, I heard a loud voice from the throne. Look, God's voice from the throne. Look, God's voice from the throne. Look, God's dwelling place is now among his people.

dwelling place is now among his people. dwelling place is now among his people. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And he will dwell with them. They will >> And he will dwell with them. They will >> And he will dwell with them. They will be his people. And God himself will be be his people. And God himself will be be his people. And God himself will be with them and will be their God. with them and will be their God. with them and will be their God. >> The greatest thing about eternity is >> The greatest thing about eternity is >> The greatest thing about eternity is actually not the place at all. actually not the place at all. actually not the place at all. >> Yeah. It's the who we get to be there >> Yeah. It's the who we get to be there >> Yeah. It's the who we get to be there with. with. with. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> That's right. >> And I want us to like not underestimate >> And I want us to like not underestimate >> And I want us to like not underestimate that at all. that at all. that at all. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Because even >> Because even >> Because even even those of us who even have the even those of us who even have the even those of us who even have the closest relationship with God right now, closest relationship with God right now, closest relationship with God right now, there's still a sense that we're not there's still a sense that we're not there's still a sense that we're not fully living in the eternal presence of fully living in the eternal presence of fully living in the eternal presence of God in the way that we will in glory. God in the way that we will in glory. God in the way that we will in glory. And I think that that fundamentally is And I think that that fundamentally is And I think that that fundamentally is everything for us. Best way I know how everything for us. Best way I know how everything for us. Best way I know how to describe that is uh the closest to describe that is uh the closest to describe that is uh the closest person I that is to me on planet earth person I that is to me on planet earth person I that is to me on planet earth is my my bride. Uh my my wife of 22 is my my bride. Uh my my wife of 22 is my my bride. Uh my my wife of 22 years now. Love Lindsay. Uh years now. Love Lindsay. Uh years now. Love Lindsay. Uh I think about I think about I think about if we lost everything if we lost everything if we lost everything >> and we had to live in a cardboard box. >> and we had to live in a cardboard box. >> and we had to live in a cardboard box. >> I'd be okay with it as long as she was >> I'd be okay with it as long as she was >> I'd be okay with it as long as she was there.

there. there. >> Because it's more about who I get to be >> Because it's more about who I get to be >> Because it's more about who I get to be with than where we're at. Now I hope I with than where we're at. Now I hope I with than where we're at. Now I hope I don't have to live in a cardboard box. don't have to live in a cardboard box. don't have to live in a cardboard box. Let me make that clear. Let me make that clear. Let me make that clear. It's more about who you're with It's more about who you're with It's more about who you're with >> than where you're at. I think the same >> than where you're at. I think the same >> than where you're at. I think the same is true when it talks about eternity is true when it talks about eternity is true when it talks about eternity >> that the place is amazing. John can't >> that the place is amazing. John can't >> that the place is amazing. John can't even begin to use all the language to even begin to use all the language to even begin to use all the language to describe how amazing the place is. describe how amazing the place is. describe how amazing the place is. >> But the place pales into comparison to >> But the place pales into comparison to >> But the place pales into comparison to >> to who we get to be with. And that's >> to who we get to be with. And that's >> to who we get to be with. And that's actually the focal point of it all is actually the focal point of it all is actually the focal point of it all is what does it look like to really what does it look like to really what does it look like to really genuinely live in a harmonious genuinely live in a harmonious genuinely live in a harmonious relationship with God for all of relationship with God for all of relationship with God for all of eternity. I can't fully wrap my head eternity. I can't fully wrap my head eternity. I can't fully wrap my head around that, right? around that, right? around that, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, now back to your question. >> So, now back to your question. >> So, now back to your question. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> When you said, "Why does this matter?" >> When you said, "Why does this matter?" >> When you said, "Why does this matter?" >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Why does this matter today? >> Why does this matter today? >> Why does this matter today? >> Couple things. >> Couple things. >> Couple things. >> Uh Jesus says in the Lord's prayer, one >> Uh Jesus says in the Lord's prayer, one >> Uh Jesus says in the Lord's prayer, one of the lines is on earth as it is in of the lines is on earth as it is in of the lines is on earth as it is in heaven. Right? heaven. Right? heaven. Right? >> That's a prayer >> That's a prayer >> That's a prayer >> that at the end God is going to renew >> that at the end God is going to renew >> that at the end God is going to renew everything. everything. everything. Part of the work we have as his church Part of the work we have as his church Part of the work we have as his church today is to partner with him in renewing today is to partner with him in renewing today is to partner with him in renewing types of work today. We don't just wait types of work today. We don't just wait types of work today. We don't just wait on glory in the future. We can start on glory in the future. We can start on glory in the future. We can start living in that future right now. And so living in that future right now. And so living in that future right now. And so like every time we forgive, that is a like every time we forgive, that is a like every time we forgive, that is a sense of renewal.

sense of renewal. sense of renewal. >> Every time that you sacrifice yourself >> Every time that you sacrifice yourself >> Every time that you sacrifice yourself for the sake of somebody else's benefit, for the sake of somebody else's benefit, for the sake of somebody else's benefit, that's part of renewal. Yeah. like every that's part of renewal. Yeah. like every that's part of renewal. Yeah. like every time you serve somebody in need. I mean, time you serve somebody in need. I mean, time you serve somebody in need. I mean, we could go down the list like um that's we could go down the list like um that's we could go down the list like um that's why all of that matters is that's where why all of that matters is that's where why all of that matters is that's where it's all going. But we don't have to it's all going. But we don't have to it's all going. But we don't have to wait. wait. wait. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh we can actually start living in >> Uh we can actually start living in >> Uh we can actually start living in eternity right now. That's important. eternity right now. That's important. eternity right now. That's important. >> So, I think that's one aspect of it. The >> So, I think that's one aspect of it. The >> So, I think that's one aspect of it. The other aspect of it is I heard this other aspect of it is I heard this other aspect of it is I heard this illustration a lot of years ago. It's a illustration a lot of years ago. It's a illustration a lot of years ago. It's a little cheesy, but work with me on it. little cheesy, but work with me on it. little cheesy, but work with me on it. Um uh it's a story of this this mom who Um uh it's a story of this this mom who Um uh it's a story of this this mom who was reading this um like cowboy action was reading this um like cowboy action was reading this um like cowboy action book to her son and he was pretty little book to her son and he was pretty little book to her son and he was pretty little and and he was riding the the highs and and and he was riding the the highs and and and he was riding the the highs and lows of all the the conflict and the lows of all the the conflict and the lows of all the the conflict and the action and uh you know he's jumping from action and uh you know he's jumping from action and uh you know he's jumping from a train. He's being chased by all kinds a train. He's being chased by all kinds a train. He's being chased by all kinds of wild bandits and you know all the of wild bandits and you know all the of wild bandits and you know all the things. And there was enough action in things. And there was enough action in things. And there was enough action in the the book that the son was always the the book that the son was always the the book that the son was always getting so nervous and he's full of all getting so nervous and he's full of all getting so nervous and he's full of all kinds of anxiety, you know, along along kinds of anxiety, you know, along along kinds of anxiety, you know, along along the way to the point where the mom the way to the point where the mom the way to the point where the mom didn't know if she could continue to didn't know if she could continue to didn't know if she could continue to read it because it was just causing him read it because it was just causing him read it because it was just causing him so much anxiety as as he was reading it.

so much anxiety as as he was reading it. so much anxiety as as he was reading it. >> And so eventually what she decided to do >> And so eventually what she decided to do >> And so eventually what she decided to do was to skip all the way to the end of was to skip all the way to the end of was to skip all the way to the end of the book [laughter] and just read the the book [laughter] and just read the the book [laughter] and just read the last chapter because if he knew how it last chapter because if he knew how it last chapter because if he knew how it ended, he could experience it different ended, he could experience it different ended, he could experience it different along the way. along the way. along the way. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And so that's what she did. And so she >> And so that's what she did. And so she >> And so that's what she did. And so she read the ending. So she knew he knew read the ending. So she knew he knew read the ending. So she knew he knew that at the end of the day, the cowboy that at the end of the day, the cowboy that at the end of the day, the cowboy comes out and he's just fine, right? comes out and he's just fine, right? comes out and he's just fine, right? >> And so she went back and she's picked up >> And so she went back and she's picked up >> And so she went back and she's picked up where they had, you know, left off where they had, you know, left off where they had, you know, left off before and she just started reading before and she just started reading before and she just started reading again. And even as the cowboy got again. And even as the cowboy got again. And even as the cowboy got himself into some very difficult himself into some very difficult himself into some very difficult situations, she could hear her son say situations, she could hear her son say situations, she could hear her son say under his breath, "Ah, if he only knew under his breath, "Ah, if he only knew under his breath, "Ah, if he only knew what I knew." Yeah. what I knew." Yeah. what I knew." Yeah. >> And I think there's a sense of that when >> And I think there's a sense of that when >> And I think there's a sense of that when you read the book of Revelation you read the book of Revelation you read the book of Revelation >> that you get this picture of the victory >> that you get this picture of the victory >> that you get this picture of the victory that we have in Jesus and the eternal that we have in Jesus and the eternal that we have in Jesus and the eternal promise that we get to anchor in. promise that we get to anchor in. promise that we get to anchor in. >> We know the end. >> We know the end. >> We know the end. >> And so despite the anxiety and the >> And so despite the anxiety and the >> And so despite the anxiety and the struggle and the difficulty we face, we struggle and the difficulty we face, we struggle and the difficulty we face, we know the end. know the end. know the end. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And because of that, it's almost going >> And because of that, it's almost going >> And because of that, it's almost going to sense that God says like, to sense that God says like, to sense that God says like, >> "If you only knew what I knew." Yeah.

>> "If you only knew what I knew." Yeah. >> "If you only knew what I knew." Yeah. >> But I think he actually says now you >> But I think he actually says now you >> But I think he actually says now you know know know >> what I know >> what I know >> what I know >> and it causes us to live a little >> and it causes us to live a little >> and it causes us to live a little different. different. different. >> Yeah. It it gives us a couple things in >> Yeah. It it gives us a couple things in >> Yeah. It it gives us a couple things in how we live today, right? Um like the how we live today, right? Um like the how we live today, right? Um like the first one I would say is that it reminds first one I would say is that it reminds first one I would say is that it reminds us that we need to have perseverance. us that we need to have perseverance. us that we need to have perseverance. >> Uh perseverance in the midst of trials, >> Uh perseverance in the midst of trials, >> Uh perseverance in the midst of trials, in the midst of persecution, uh even in in the midst of persecution, uh even in in the midst of persecution, uh even in the very face of evil. Um when you know the very face of evil. Um when you know the very face of evil. Um when you know that there is something on the other that there is something on the other that there is something on the other side that is better and greater, uh it side that is better and greater, uh it side that is better and greater, uh it allows you to dig in deep and to allows you to dig in deep and to allows you to dig in deep and to persevere. It gives you the strength for persevere. It gives you the strength for persevere. It gives you the strength for the journey or the battle ahead. U the the journey or the battle ahead. U the the journey or the battle ahead. U the second thing is I would say is it gives second thing is I would say is it gives second thing is I would say is it gives us a lot of hope. us a lot of hope. us a lot of hope. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um there's something good coming on the >> Um there's something good coming on the >> Um there's something good coming on the other side. I got a good friend Oliver other side. I got a good friend Oliver other side. I got a good friend Oliver Phillips um whose mom loves to make Phillips um whose mom loves to make Phillips um whose mom loves to make dessert dessert dessert >> and she always says hold your fork. >> and she always says hold your fork. >> and she always says hold your fork. >> And when you she says hold your fork uh >> And when you she says hold your fork uh >> And when you she says hold your fork uh you know something good is coming on the you know something good is coming on the you know something good is coming on the other end, right? Uh you know I I think other end, right? Uh you know I I think other end, right? Uh you know I I think about this a lot because about this a lot because about this a lot because >> um my whole life has been an effort of >> um my whole life has been an effort of >> um my whole life has been an effort of holding that fork because God's got holding that fork because God's got holding that fork because God's got something good on the other side of it. something good on the other side of it. something good on the other side of it. Right. uh I know what's ahead and that Right. uh I know what's ahead and that Right. uh I know what's ahead and that gives me a lot of hope and it should gives me a lot of hope and it should gives me a lot of hope and it should give all of us a lot of hope. Um but give all of us a lot of hope. Um but give all of us a lot of hope. Um but then there's also this other piece that then there's also this other piece that then there's also this other piece that I think cuts to the core of our lives I think cuts to the core of our lives I think cuts to the core of our lives here on this earth. There should be a here on this earth. There should be a here on this earth. There should be a sense of urgency.

sense of urgency. sense of urgency. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> About the hope of the gospel. Um as best >> About the hope of the gospel. Um as best >> About the hope of the gospel. Um as best as we can kind of see it, 6.2 million as we can kind of see it, 6.2 million as we can kind of see it, 6.2 million people in the Chicagoland area who do people in the Chicagoland area who do people in the Chicagoland area who do not know Jesus. not know Jesus. not know Jesus. Um they don't know him in an intimate Um they don't know him in an intimate Um they don't know him in an intimate way. They don't know him in a way that I way. They don't know him in a way that I way. They don't know him in a way that I know him. And if there's a thing that know him. And if there's a thing that know him. And if there's a thing that keeps me up at night as a pastor, that's keeps me up at night as a pastor, that's keeps me up at night as a pastor, that's it. it. it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh the amount of lostness in my >> Uh the amount of lostness in my >> Uh the amount of lostness in my community and knowing that God has community and knowing that God has community and knowing that God has placed me here for such a time as this placed me here for such a time as this placed me here for such a time as this >> to share the good news. So it creates a >> to share the good news. So it creates a >> to share the good news. So it creates a sense of urgency in me sense of urgency in me sense of urgency in me >> because I know that I am going to be >> because I know that I am going to be >> because I know that I am going to be with him in eternity, but there's a with him in eternity, but there's a with him in eternity, but there's a whole lot of people right now whole lot of people right now whole lot of people right now >> who because the current conditions are >> who because the current conditions are >> who because the current conditions are not. not. not. >> Yeah. And Lindsay, I know we've sat in >> Yeah. And Lindsay, I know we've sat in >> Yeah. And Lindsay, I know we've sat in my office and I've heard you talk about my office and I've heard you talk about my office and I've heard you talk about how doing this study in Revelation has how doing this study in Revelation has how doing this study in Revelation has changed the way you view relationships. changed the way you view relationships. changed the way you view relationships. Just like Dwayne was saying, there's Just like Dwayne was saying, there's Just like Dwayne was saying, there's that eternity altering thing. that eternity altering thing. that eternity altering thing. >> How has it challenged you, shaped you?

>> How has it challenged you, shaped you? >> How has it challenged you, shaped you? And I also don't want to be the person And I also don't want to be the person And I also don't want to be the person on the corner saying hell is coming. you on the corner saying hell is coming. you on the corner saying hell is coming. you know, uh there's that balance, right, know, uh there's that balance, right, know, uh there's that balance, right, where you're not going to where you're not going to where you're not going to >> accuse somebody into the kingdom. >> accuse somebody into the kingdom. >> accuse somebody into the kingdom. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. Right. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I think um so >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I think um so >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I think um so some of the things like uh you know, you some of the things like uh you know, you some of the things like uh you know, you we just said actually in the the last we just said actually in the the last we just said actually in the the last episode about how um in Revelation 12, episode about how um in Revelation 12, episode about how um in Revelation 12, you read about how they um overcame by you read about how they um overcame by you read about how they um overcame by the word of their testimony. And I think the word of their testimony. And I think the word of their testimony. And I think what Revelation has showed me is this what Revelation has showed me is this what Revelation has showed me is this has given me a fresh burden for those has given me a fresh burden for those has given me a fresh burden for those that don't know Jesus. Um, and I think that don't know Jesus. Um, and I think that don't know Jesus. Um, and I think one of the most powerful ways that we one of the most powerful ways that we one of the most powerful ways that we can share the love of God is by can share the love of God is by can share the love of God is by recognizing our own stories. And where recognizing our own stories. And where recognizing our own stories. And where has he shown up in so many different has he shown up in so many different has he shown up in so many different ways? What is the word of my testimony? ways? What is the word of my testimony? ways? What is the word of my testimony? Where has he given me peace when I Where has he given me peace when I Where has he given me peace when I thought there was none? Where have I thought there was none? Where have I thought there was none? Where have I seen healing when it looked bleak? Where seen healing when it looked bleak? Where seen healing when it looked bleak? Where have I felt his presence in a moment of have I felt his presence in a moment of have I felt his presence in a moment of stress? Where where has he met me even, stress? Where where has he met me even, stress? Where where has he met me even, you know, I think about a lot of this as you know, I think about a lot of this as you know, I think about a lot of this as as a mom. Where has he met me in those as a mom. Where has he met me in those as a mom. Where has he met me in those moments where I'm like, I don't know moments where I'm like, I don't know moments where I'm like, I don't know what to do with this kid right now, what to do with this kid right now, what to do with this kid right now, >> you know, or I am like when you're so >> you know, or I am like when you're so >> you know, or I am like when you're so worried about them and um by remembering worried about them and um by remembering worried about them and um by remembering those things like I know the mom context those things like I know the mom context those things like I know the mom context in particular for me, I'm surrounded by in particular for me, I'm surrounded by in particular for me, I'm surrounded by a lot of moms.

a lot of moms. a lot of moms. >> Yep. and my kids go to public schools. >> Yep. and my kids go to public schools. >> Yep. and my kids go to public schools. And so there's a real opportunity there And so there's a real opportunity there And so there's a real opportunity there if I'm intentional with listening to the if I'm intentional with listening to the if I'm intentional with listening to the struggles of these other moms and making struggles of these other moms and making struggles of these other moms and making sure that they see, hey, we're all in sure that they see, hey, we're all in sure that they see, hey, we're all in this together. None of us totally know this together. None of us totally know this together. None of us totally know what we're doing, you know, like um I what we're doing, you know, like um I what we're doing, you know, like um I can recall the ways that God has met me can recall the ways that God has met me can recall the ways that God has met me in a specific situation that I know is in a specific situation that I know is in a specific situation that I know is going to minister to them. And that's going to minister to them. And that's going to minister to them. And that's not me then, you know, um standing on not me then, you know, um standing on not me then, you know, um standing on the corner with a bullhorn. If that's the corner with a bullhorn. If that's the corner with a bullhorn. If that's your gift, that's your gift. But you your gift, that's your gift. But you your gift, that's your gift. But you know, that's meeting them in their pain. know, that's meeting them in their pain. know, that's meeting them in their pain. Yeah. And I think NT Wright it is who Yeah. And I think NT Wright it is who Yeah. And I think NT Wright it is who has a quote that says like the primary has a quote that says like the primary has a quote that says like the primary purpose of the church is to be in the purpose of the church is to be in the purpose of the church is to be in the place of prayer where the world is in place of prayer where the world is in place of prayer where the world is in their place of pain or something like their place of pain or something like their place of pain or something like that. that. that. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> And I think that's us living it out. And >> And I think that's us living it out. And >> And I think that's us living it out. And Revelation really challenged me to do Revelation really challenged me to do Revelation really challenged me to do that because I don't want that because I don't want that because I don't want to be in the new heaven and the new to be in the new heaven and the new to be in the new heaven and the new earth without everyone who we can earth without everyone who we can earth without everyone who we can possibly talk to, you know, and possibly talk to, you know, and possibly talk to, you know, and >> and and right now even. It's not just >> and and right now even. It's not just >> and and right now even. It's not just for then, it's also for now.

for then, it's also for now. for then, it's also for now. >> Yeah. That's that's the power of the >> Yeah. That's that's the power of the >> Yeah. That's that's the power of the relationships, right, Lindsay? I'm like relationships, right, Lindsay? I'm like relationships, right, Lindsay? I'm like you. I'm deep in parenting and rubbing you. I'm deep in parenting and rubbing you. I'm deep in parenting and rubbing shoulders with moms and the stress, the shoulders with moms and the stress, the shoulders with moms and the stress, the anxiety, the misplaced purpose and anxiety, the misplaced purpose and anxiety, the misplaced purpose and identity. identity. identity. >> I want to be the person that feels >> I want to be the person that feels >> I want to be the person that feels different. different. different. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then like scripture says, >> And then like scripture says, >> And then like scripture says, >> I want to have a reason for the hope >> I want to have a reason for the hope >> I want to have a reason for the hope that I have. that I have. that I have. >> What does it look like? I play a little >> What does it look like? I play a little >> What does it look like? I play a little bit more of a long game, right? Um bit more of a long game, right? Um bit more of a long game, right? Um >> but that's powerful. And then I need to >> but that's powerful. And then I need to >> but that's powerful. And then I need to be equipped. And I think that's the be equipped. And I think that's the be equipped. And I think that's the challenge for me is to share about that. challenge for me is to share about that. challenge for me is to share about that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um my parents aren't Christians. Our >> Um my parents aren't Christians. Our >> Um my parents aren't Christians. Our babysitter is. And my mom goes, "Your babysitter is. And my mom goes, "Your babysitter is. And my mom goes, "Your babysitter just has such a good spirit." babysitter just has such a good spirit." babysitter just has such a good spirit." I go, "Yeah, that's cuz she loves I go, "Yeah, that's cuz she loves I go, "Yeah, that's cuz she loves Jesus." And my mom's like, "Okay." I'm Jesus." And my mom's like, "Okay." I'm Jesus." And my mom's like, "Okay." I'm like, "But seriously, right?" Like her like, "But seriously, right?" Like her like, "But seriously, right?" Like her presence presence presence >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> ushers the Holy Spirit into places and >> ushers the Holy Spirit into places and >> ushers the Holy Spirit into places and that challenges me, too. that challenges me, too. that challenges me, too. >> Yeah. So, >> Yeah. So, >> Yeah. So, >> 100%. >> 100%. >> 100%. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um Sean, you have something to say? >> Um Sean, you have something to say? >> Um Sean, you have something to say? Yeah, he does. Yeah, he does. Yeah, he does. >> He was leaning in.

>> He was leaning in. >> He was leaning in. >> I saw you typing. [laughter] >> I saw you typing. [laughter] >> I saw you typing. [laughter] >> Oh, I was just researching things. >> Oh, I was just researching things. >> Oh, I was just researching things. >> Just reading the word. >> Just reading the word. >> Just reading the word. >> Reading the word. >> Reading the word. >> Reading the word. >> Yeah. I love it. Like as >> Yeah. I love it. Like as >> Yeah. I love it. Like as our world does feel uneasy. our world does feel uneasy. our world does feel uneasy. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Like >> Like >> Like >> you said it was a silly story, but it's >> you said it was a silly story, but it's >> you said it was a silly story, but it's true story. That's the That's the story true story. That's the That's the story true story. That's the That's the story we live through when we look at we live through when we look at we live through when we look at everything that's going on around. everything that's going on around. everything that's going on around. Unless you know the end, you can get Unless you know the end, you can get Unless you know the end, you can get really anxious and wrapped up in really anxious and wrapped up in really anxious and wrapped up in >> everything that's happening. Um, >> everything that's happening. Um, >> everything that's happening. Um, we've spent four episodes now talking we've spent four episodes now talking we've spent four episodes now talking about Revelation. What are our closing about Revelation. What are our closing about Revelation. What are our closing words for people? What's the closing words for people? What's the closing words for people? What's the closing challenge? What do we do now? How do we challenge? What do we do now? How do we challenge? What do we do now? How do we Let's put a bow on this. Go ahead. Let's put a bow on this. Go ahead. Let's put a bow on this. Go ahead. >> I want to go a little bit to like for >> I want to go a little bit to like for >> I want to go a little bit to like for just the practical ways u something just the practical ways u something just the practical ways u something Lindsay you were talking about. I think Lindsay you were talking about. I think Lindsay you were talking about. I think when we when we think about sharing the when we when we think about sharing the when we when we think about sharing the gospel, there's a a friend of mine, you gospel, there's a a friend of mine, you gospel, there's a a friend of mine, you guys know Tim, Tim Tim Stevens, he uh he guys know Tim, Tim Tim Stevens, he uh he guys know Tim, Tim Tim Stevens, he uh he has a neighbor who he's just been kind has a neighbor who he's just been kind has a neighbor who he's just been kind of loving on and opening his doors and of loving on and opening his doors and of loving on and opening his doors and and you know doing bonfires together and and you know doing bonfires together and and you know doing bonfires together and and his neighbor goes to him and says, and his neighbor goes to him and says, and his neighbor goes to him and says, you know, you're like you're not like you know, you're like you're not like you know, you're like you're not like really a pastor because he knows he's a really a pastor because he knows he's a really a pastor because he knows he's a pastor. Like I I all I know is that you pastor. Like I I all I know is that you pastor. Like I I all I know is that you just like have loved on us. You're not just like have loved on us. You're not just like have loved on us. You're not like one like one of those pastors just like one like one of those pastors just like one like one of those pastors just preaching at us and you just have loved preaching at us and you just have loved preaching at us and you just have loved on us and like when you think about on us and like when you think about on us and like when you think about preaching the gospel is how you love preaching the gospel is how you love preaching the gospel is how you love people. it can be the best way and you people. it can be the best way and you people. it can be the best way and you can go and you know get equipped in how can go and you know get equipped in how can go and you know get equipped in how you can start sharing about the gospel you can start sharing about the gospel you can start sharing about the gospel and I think that's important but the and I think that's important but the and I think that's important but the posture of loving people and I think a

posture of loving people and I think a posture of loving people and I think a lot of times we talked about this last lot of times we talked about this last lot of times we talked about this last time um I mean a few weeks ago I can't time um I mean a few weeks ago I can't time um I mean a few weeks ago I can't remember when we talked about the the remember when we talked about the the remember when we talked about the the idea of you know a lot of times we with idea of you know a lot of times we with idea of you know a lot of times we with this urgency we can interpret that into this urgency we can interpret that into this urgency we can interpret that into we just need to tell like a million we just need to tell like a million we just need to tell like a million people and like and then we get daunted people and like and then we get daunted people and like and then we get daunted and we just get like scared of it and we just get like scared of it and we just get like scared of it because there's just so many people to because there's just so many people to because there's just so many people to tell and and I I don't think God's tell and and I I don't think God's tell and and I I don't think God's asking us to he he's going who are the asking us to he he's going who are the asking us to he he's going who are the people around you that you talked about people around you that you talked about people around you that you talked about you know moms around you like who are you know moms around you like who are you know moms around you like who are the people already in your life that one the people already in your life that one the people already in your life that one person or two people or three people person or two people or three people person or two people or three people >> your neighbor um that you can already >> your neighbor um that you can already >> your neighbor um that you can already start being you know salt and light to start being you know salt and light to start being you know salt and light to them and um I I think of that as a as a them and um I I think of that as a as a them and um I I think of that as a as a as a practical piece. as a practical piece. as a practical piece. >> Yeah. I think the per it's interesting >> Yeah. I think the per it's interesting >> Yeah. I think the per it's interesting the first thing that we need to do is to the first thing that we need to do is to the first thing that we need to do is to make sure that we know believe and have make sure that we know believe and have make sure that we know believe and have responded to the hope of the gospel responded to the hope of the gospel responded to the hope of the gospel right and so there's a real audit that I right and so there's a real audit that I right and so there's a real audit that I think we need to do when we approach a think we need to do when we approach a think we need to do when we approach a series like this we all bring something series like this we all bring something series like this we all bring something with us and it causes us to kind of with us and it causes us to kind of with us and it causes us to kind of examine ourselves a little bit and so I examine ourselves a little bit and so I examine ourselves a little bit and so I think a good self-examination in these think a good self-examination in these think a good self-examination in these moments especially if you're new to moments especially if you're new to moments especially if you're new to church or you're kicking the tires on church or you're kicking the tires on church or you're kicking the tires on faith again for the first time faith again for the first time faith again for the first time >> hey do I really know do I believe and >> hey do I really know do I believe and >> hey do I really know do I believe and have I responded to the hope of the have I responded to the hope of the have I responded to the hope of the gospel.

gospel. gospel. >> And if you're in a position where you >> And if you're in a position where you >> And if you're in a position where you find yourself saying, "I'm not sure." find yourself saying, "I'm not sure." find yourself saying, "I'm not sure." >> Like, >> Like, >> Like, >> we want to talk to you about that. Like, >> we want to talk to you about that. Like, >> we want to talk to you about that. Like, as a church, we we want to be so as a church, we we want to be so as a church, we we want to be so available for you because we want you to available for you because we want you to available for you because we want you to know this Jesus who has loved us so know this Jesus who has loved us so know this Jesus who has loved us so well. well. well. >> Um, and we want the hope of the gospel >> Um, and we want the hope of the gospel >> Um, and we want the hope of the gospel to like resonate in your heart. And so, to like resonate in your heart. And so, to like resonate in your heart. And so, we want we want to have the conversation we want we want to have the conversation we want we want to have the conversation about that. Um, we we try to keep a ton about that. Um, we we try to keep a ton about that. Um, we we try to keep a ton of availability for that. Uh, I have an of availability for that. Uh, I have an of availability for that. Uh, I have an appointment on Monday mornings every appointment on Monday mornings every appointment on Monday mornings every week. I call it my acute appointment. week. I call it my acute appointment. week. I call it my acute appointment. Um, and the reason why I have that is Um, and the reason why I have that is Um, and the reason why I have that is because I'll run into somebody almost because I'll run into somebody almost because I'll run into somebody almost every Sunday who's like every Sunday who's like every Sunday who's like >> asking the question without asking the >> asking the question without asking the >> asking the question without asking the question, what do I need to do to be question, what do I need to do to be question, what do I need to do to be saved? saved? saved? >> And so my first appointment on a Monday >> And so my first appointment on a Monday >> And so my first appointment on a Monday morning is that person like I want to I morning is that person like I want to I morning is that person like I want to I want to have that conversation right want to have that conversation right want to have that conversation right away. away. away. >> Um, I think that's really essential. And >> Um, I think that's really essential. And >> Um, I think that's really essential. And then I think the next step or stage is then I think the next step or stage is then I think the next step or stage is like once we know that we know that we like once we know that we know that we like once we know that we know that we know the Lord, right? Um, let's look at know the Lord, right? Um, let's look at know the Lord, right? Um, let's look at our household or our current sphere of our household or our current sphere of our household or our current sphere of influence. M influence. M influence. M >> you might be a college student and your >> you might be a college student and your >> you might be a college student and your roommate, you know, doesn't know Jesus. roommate, you know, doesn't know Jesus. roommate, you know, doesn't know Jesus. Like trying to develop a plan to reach Like trying to develop a plan to reach Like trying to develop a plan to reach them with the word of God. Uh and we them with the word of God. Uh and we them with the word of God. Uh and we both in those moments bring the gospel both in those moments bring the gospel both in those moments bring the gospel with us in our words and deeds with us in our words and deeds with us in our words and deeds >> and we share the word, >> and we share the word, >> and we share the word, >> right? It's both. It's we're living >> right? It's both. It's we're living >> right? It's both. It's we're living representations of the gospel, but we representations of the gospel, but we representations of the gospel, but we also share the gospel from the word of also share the gospel from the word of also share the gospel from the word of God, right? It's both and. It's not one God, right? It's both and. It's not one God, right? It's both and. It's not one or the other. And so I think that's like or the other. And so I think that's like or the other. And so I think that's like the next stage is winning your current the next stage is winning your current the next stage is winning your current sphere of influence for Christ. Yeah.

sphere of influence for Christ. Yeah. sphere of influence for Christ. Yeah. >> Um my home, my kids, my family, um my >> Um my home, my kids, my family, um my >> Um my home, my kids, my family, um my neighbors, u and we start extending that neighbors, u and we start extending that neighbors, u and we start extending that circle out further and further and circle out further and further and circle out further and further and further. Um when I get all the way to further. Um when I get all the way to further. Um when I get all the way to the end of my life, u which the end of my life, u which the end of my life, u which >> I am 48. >> I am 48. >> I am 48. >> I don't know how many years I have left. >> I don't know how many years I have left. >> I don't know how many years I have left. Um I don't know what that looks like. Uh Um I don't know what that looks like. Uh Um I don't know what that looks like. Uh but I heard a story about a pastor one but I heard a story about a pastor one but I heard a story about a pastor one time and he was laying on his deathbed time and he was laying on his deathbed time and he was laying on his deathbed and he started whispering the words, and he started whispering the words, and he started whispering the words, "One more for Jesus. "One more for Jesus. "One more for Jesus. >> One more for Jesus. I don't have a lot >> One more for Jesus. I don't have a lot >> One more for Jesus. I don't have a lot of ambition. Um, if I do have one, of ambition. Um, if I do have one, of ambition. Um, if I do have one, that's it. that's it. that's it. >> You know, just continuously having a >> You know, just continuously having a >> You know, just continuously having a heart that says, "God, whoever you send heart that says, "God, whoever you send heart that says, "God, whoever you send me to, whatever moment you place me in, me to, whatever moment you place me in, me to, whatever moment you place me in, whatever my sphere of influence looks whatever my sphere of influence looks whatever my sphere of influence looks like, like, like, >> I'm going to do my best to both live the >> I'm going to do my best to both live the >> I'm going to do my best to both live the gospel and share the gospel." gospel and share the gospel." gospel and share the gospel." >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think that's the posture. >> I think that's the posture. >> I think that's the posture. >> Yeah. I think we can get overwhelmed >> Yeah. I think we can get overwhelmed >> Yeah. I think we can get overwhelmed sometimes with like sometimes with like sometimes with like there's so many people that need God. there's so many people that need God. there's so many people that need God. >> And just like you're saying, Dwayne, >> And just like you're saying, Dwayne, >> And just like you're saying, Dwayne, when we put it in our circles and our when we put it in our circles and our when we put it in our circles and our spheres spheres spheres >> and when we recognize too that the >> and when we recognize too that the >> and when we recognize too that the author and perfector of our faith is author and perfector of our faith is author and perfector of our faith is working things out, working things out, working things out, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> yeah, >> it's our job to be sensitive to the >> it's our job to be sensitive to the >> it's our job to be sensitive to the leading and step into the story that he leading and step into the story that he leading and step into the story that he wants us to be a part of. good, wants us to be a part of. good, wants us to be a part of. good, >> you know, and and I think if we hold our >> you know, and and I think if we hold our >> you know, and and I think if we hold our hands up like, "You got this, Lord. I'm hands up like, "You got this, Lord. I'm hands up like, "You got this, Lord. I'm going to step in where you want me to going to step in where you want me to going to step in where you want me to go, go, go, >> it it releases any pressure on ourselves >> it it releases any pressure on ourselves >> it it releases any pressure on ourselves and we recognize he's the one.

and we recognize he's the one. and we recognize he's the one. >> He's the one. He calls. He loves. He >> He's the one. He calls. He loves. He >> He's the one. He calls. He loves. He saves. I'm a conduit. So, help me to saves. I'm a conduit. So, help me to saves. I'm a conduit. So, help me to just be that." just be that." just be that." >> Yeah. I love that. >> Yeah. I love that. >> Yeah. I love that. >> Yeah. That's awesome. >> Yeah. That's awesome. >> Yeah. That's awesome. >> I was just thinking about your question >> I was just thinking about your question >> I was just thinking about your question about tying a bow around this thing. about tying a bow around this thing. about tying a bow around this thing. >> Yeah. Bring us home. >> Yeah. Bring us home. >> Yeah. Bring us home. I I'm moved by the last words of the I I'm moved by the last words of the I I'm moved by the last words of the book. book. book. >> So, Revelation 22, like last words of >> So, Revelation 22, like last words of >> So, Revelation 22, like last words of the book, the book, the book, >> uh just says, "He who testifies to these >> uh just says, "He who testifies to these >> uh just says, "He who testifies to these things says, yes, I'm coming soon." things says, yes, I'm coming soon." things says, yes, I'm coming soon." >> And then it just says, "Amen." >> And then it just says, "Amen." >> And then it just says, "Amen." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Come, Lord Jesus. >> Come, Lord Jesus. >> Come, Lord Jesus. >> And then it just the final verse is just >> And then it just the final verse is just >> And then it just the final verse is just the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the grace of the Lord Jesus be with all of God's people. Amen. of God's people. Amen. of God's people. Amen. And you know a question we asked earlier And you know a question we asked earlier And you know a question we asked earlier and I hear people ask it like are we and I hear people ask it like are we and I hear people ask it like are we living in the last days today? And in living in the last days today? And in living in the last days today? And in some ways you have to say yes because some ways you have to say yes because some ways you have to say yes because scripture actually affirms that. scripture actually affirms that. scripture actually affirms that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Uh that really the moment after Jesus >> Uh that really the moment after Jesus >> Uh that really the moment after Jesus ascends Acts chapter 1 you get Acts ascends Acts chapter 1 you get Acts ascends Acts chapter 1 you get Acts chapter 2 and it literally quotes Joel 2 chapter 2 and it literally quotes Joel 2 chapter 2 and it literally quotes Joel 2 that says in the last days God will pour that says in the last days God will pour that says in the last days God will pour out his spirit on all people.

out his spirit on all people. out his spirit on all people. >> And then you see that all throughout >> And then you see that all throughout >> And then you see that all throughout scripture. that over and over again, the scripture. that over and over again, the scripture. that over and over again, the authors of the New Testament say we're authors of the New Testament say we're authors of the New Testament say we're living in the last days. Now, living in the last days. Now, living in the last days. Now, >> they likely thought that meant that >> they likely thought that meant that >> they likely thought that meant that Jesus could come back in their Jesus could come back in their Jesus could come back in their lifetimes. We now know he didn't do that lifetimes. We now know he didn't do that lifetimes. We now know he didn't do that and it's been a few thousand years. and it's been a few thousand years. and it's been a few thousand years. >> But I think we have to just acknowledge >> But I think we have to just acknowledge >> But I think we have to just acknowledge biblically speaking, from the moment biblically speaking, from the moment biblically speaking, from the moment Jesus ascended until his returns, Jesus ascended until his returns, Jesus ascended until his returns, biblically speaking, they would call biblically speaking, they would call biblically speaking, they would call those the last days. And so, are we those the last days. And so, are we those the last days. And so, are we living in the last days? Yeah, for sure. living in the last days? Yeah, for sure. living in the last days? Yeah, for sure. 100%. 100%. 100%. >> Now, do we know when Jesus is going to >> Now, do we know when Jesus is going to >> Now, do we know when Jesus is going to return? We have no no idea, you know, no return? We have no no idea, you know, no return? We have no no idea, you know, no idea. idea. idea. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> But I think there's health in living in >> But I think there's health in living in >> But I think there's health in living in the way the biblical authors lived. They the way the biblical authors lived. They the way the biblical authors lived. They lived as though lived as though lived as though >> his return was imminent. >> his return was imminent. >> his return was imminent. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> Cuz we don't know. >> Cuz we don't know. >> Cuz we don't know. >> But if we live as though it's imminent >> But if we live as though it's imminent >> But if we live as though it's imminent and we live with that kind of urgency, and we live with that kind of urgency, and we live with that kind of urgency, it causes us to be able to do all the it causes us to be able to do all the it causes us to be able to do all the things that you've just described. things that you've just described. things that you've just described. >> Uh it causes us to reflect on our own >> Uh it causes us to reflect on our own >> Uh it causes us to reflect on our own life. Is my life ready for his return? life. Is my life ready for his return? life. Is my life ready for his return? Right? Right? Right? >> It causes us to think about everybody >> It causes us to think about everybody >> It causes us to think about everybody around me. Uh am I playing my role to around me. Uh am I playing my role to around me. Uh am I playing my role to love people back to life into love people back to life into love people back to life into relationship with Jesus? And do I live relationship with Jesus? And do I live relationship with Jesus? And do I live with that kind of urgency? Uh that the with that kind of urgency? Uh that the with that kind of urgency? Uh that the coming of Christ is not something to be coming of Christ is not something to be coming of Christ is not something to be feared.

feared. feared. >> Boy, it's something to look forward to. >> Boy, it's something to look forward to. >> Boy, it's something to look forward to. >> And I have no idea if it's next Tuesday. >> And I have no idea if it's next Tuesday. >> And I have no idea if it's next Tuesday. I have no idea if it's 10 years from I have no idea if it's 10 years from I have no idea if it's 10 years from now. I don't have any idea if it's a now. I don't have any idea if it's a now. I don't have any idea if it's a thousand years from now. thousand years from now. thousand years from now. >> But it serves me well to live >> But it serves me well to live >> But it serves me well to live >> as though it could be any moment. >> as though it could be any moment. >> as though it could be any moment. >> Yeah. because that allows my life to >> Yeah. because that allows my life to >> Yeah. because that allows my life to really find the meaning and really find really find the meaning and really find really find the meaning and really find the purpose that I think we're designed the purpose that I think we're designed the purpose that I think we're designed to live with. to live with. to live with. >> And and there's so much speculation >> And and there's so much speculation >> And and there's so much speculation about like the timeline and one of the about like the timeline and one of the about like the timeline and one of the things we always tried to talk through things we always tried to talk through things we always tried to talk through is we don't want to spend so much time is we don't want to spend so much time is we don't want to spend so much time focusing on the timeline that we missed focusing on the timeline that we missed focusing on the timeline that we missed the template that's here in the text. the template that's here in the text. the template that's here in the text. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um and Sean, it's not just that like we >> Um and Sean, it's not just that like we >> Um and Sean, it's not just that like we don't know on this panel. don't know on this panel. don't know on this panel. >> Nobody knows. Nobody knows. [laughter] >> Nobody knows. Nobody knows. [laughter] >> Nobody knows. Nobody knows. [laughter] Um, you know, I think sometimes we we Um, you know, I think sometimes we we Um, you know, I think sometimes we we want to know all the things because it want to know all the things because it want to know all the things because it helps us to in our minds plan a little helps us to in our minds plan a little helps us to in our minds plan a little bit better, right? bit better, right? bit better, right? >> Um, but the truth is like you look at >> Um, but the truth is like you look at >> Um, but the truth is like you look at Matthew's gospel, Matthew says very Matthew's gospel, Matthew says very Matthew's gospel, Matthew says very clearly concerning that day or hour, no clearly concerning that day or hour, no clearly concerning that day or hour, no one knows. one knows. one knows. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Nobody knows. And so I think we will >> Nobody knows. And so I think we will >> Nobody knows. And so I think we will spend a lot of time in speculation spend a lot of time in speculation spend a lot of time in speculation >> and we have the tendency to focus on the >> and we have the tendency to focus on the >> and we have the tendency to focus on the speculation rather than focus on the speculation rather than focus on the speculation rather than focus on the savior.

savior. savior. >> Yeah. Um, and when you look at >> Yeah. Um, and when you look at >> Yeah. Um, and when you look at Revelation, the truth is is that the Revelation, the truth is is that the Revelation, the truth is is that the whole thing, just like the whole rest of whole thing, just like the whole rest of whole thing, just like the whole rest of scripture, scripture, scripture, >> speaks to Jesus. >> speaks to Jesus. >> speaks to Jesus. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> U, if there is a bow, um, it's look to >> U, if there is a bow, um, it's look to >> U, if there is a bow, um, it's look to Jesus, right? Like, Jesus, right? Like, Jesus, right? Like, >> yeah, totally. >> yeah, totally. >> yeah, totally. >> I just want to say thank you to each of >> I just want to say thank you to each of >> I just want to say thank you to each of you. I know the conversations we've dug you. I know the conversations we've dug you. I know the conversations we've dug into are just a glimpse into the deep into are just a glimpse into the deep into are just a glimpse into the deep work you guys have done work you guys have done work you guys have done >> to understand this text and to share it >> to understand this text and to share it >> to understand this text and to share it wisely with people who are trying to wisely with people who are trying to wisely with people who are trying to decipher it. And so thank you guys for decipher it. And so thank you guys for decipher it. And so thank you guys for that. But not only that, thank you for that. But not only that, thank you for that. But not only that, thank you for the ways that I've seen each of you the ways that I've seen each of you the ways that I've seen each of you model this so well in living lives that model this so well in living lives that model this so well in living lives that adore Jesus and and live to serve him adore Jesus and and live to serve him adore Jesus and and live to serve him everywhere you go. So, I guess to wrap everywhere you go. So, I guess to wrap everywhere you go. So, I guess to wrap it up, this has been a great four-part it up, this has been a great four-part it up, this has been a great four-part series on the book of Revelation. And series on the book of Revelation. And series on the book of Revelation. And our prayer and our hope is that our prayer and our hope is that our prayer and our hope is that >> you can see through the mystery and the >> you can see through the mystery and the >> you can see through the mystery and the confusion and see clearly the Savior in confusion and see clearly the Savior in confusion and see clearly the Savior in the midst of it all. So, yeah, until the midst of it all. So, yeah, until the midst of it all. So, yeah, until next time. Until we do another one.

next time. Until we do another one. next time. Until we do another one. >> Real quick, just I want to bring it back >> Real quick, just I want to bring it back >> Real quick, just I want to bring it back to the crowns. How many crowns? to the crowns. How many crowns? to the crowns. How many crowns? >> I'm just trying to end and Mario's like >> I'm just trying to end and Mario's like >> I'm just trying to end and Mario's like >> got a joke. Who? Like, can we compare >> got a joke. Who? Like, can we compare >> got a joke. Who? Like, can we compare how many crowns we think we're Are you how many crowns we think we're Are you how many crowns we think we're Are you I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. >> He's looking at me like >> He's looking at me like >> He's looking at me like >> How many crowns? Please. >> How many crowns? Please. >> How many crowns? Please. >> How many crowns does Mario get? >> How many crowns does Mario get? >> How many crowns does Mario get? >> How many crowns do you think? >> How many crowns do you think? >> How many crowns do you think? >> I think you just lost one. >> I think you just lost one. >> I think you just lost one. >> I think I just >> I think I just >> I think I just >> Do you think you'll be as competitive as >> Do you think you'll be as competitive as >> Do you think you'll be as competitive as you are here? [laughter] you are here? [laughter] you are here? [laughter] >> I hope so. >> I hope so. >> I hope so. >> I think we're done. That's it. We're >> I think we're done. That's it. We're >> I think we're done. That's it. We're done. done. done. >> We'll see you on the next podcast when >> We'll see you on the next podcast when >> We'll see you on the next podcast when we do one. All right. Thanks, guys.