Ready or Not, Here I Come!

Notes: Ready or Not, Here I Come!

Matthew 24

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: God Came Near

Sunday, May 24, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

Terrorism, global conflict, the moral and spiritual decline of America and other developments point to the last days scenario, according to Bible prophecy.

In today's message, Pastor Greg Laurie is speaking on how these signs of the times point to the return of Jesus Christ, and tells us why we should be motivated to live a Godly life in preparation for His return.

Our world appears to be on fire right now. Terrorism is going on everywhere. Christians and children are being killed. ISIS, Iran, Russia and North Korea are taking over or trying to.

America and Israel are at a low in their relationship.

2 Timothy 3:1 NKJV

[1] But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

Luke 21:25 NKJV

[25] "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;

As crazy as things are, everything is going according to God's plan as explained in the Bible.

Revelation 1:3 NKJV

[3] Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

When God promises us a blessing, we should want it.

1 John 3:2-3 NKJV

[2] Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. [3] And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

If we knew God was coming it would most likely change our behavior.

2 Peter 3:14-15 NKJV

[14] Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; [15] and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,

Jesus is saying, "Ready or not, here I come" so we should be ready.

If you are not ready, then change that!

This is Jesus' longest answer to any question asked:

Matthew 24:3-15 NKJV

[3] Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" [4] And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. [6] And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows. [9] "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. [10] And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. [11] Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. [12] And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. [13] But he who endures to the end shall be saved. [14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. [15] "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand),

Whoever reads, let him understand. It's God's desire to heal, not conceal.

God wants us to understand. Revelation means to understand.

The Tribulation Period will begin with:

Matthew 24:5 NKJV

[5] For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many.

Tribulation Period will end with:

Matthew 24:30 NKJV

[30] Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Greg's End Times Flyover:

1. Next prophetic event will be the rapture.

2. Then Magog will match on Israel.

3. Many will call this a Golden Age, lead by the anti-Christ.

4. Then the great tribulation

Matthew 24:7 NKJV

[7] For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.

5. Then Armageddon

6. Then the second coming of Christ.

7. Then the millennium

8. Then the New Jerusalem

9. Then the new Earth

Matthew 24:1 NKJV

[1] Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple.

This temple was an ancient marvel. It was being built for 46 years.

Matthew 24:2 NKJV

[2] And Jesus said to them, "Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

This was a very specific statement; if it was accurate then it lets us know we can trust Him.

History tells us that the Romans marched on Jerusalem and they tore apart the Temple stone by stone for the gold that was in it.

Matthew 24:36-44 NKJV

[36] "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. [37] But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. [38] For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, [39] and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. [40] Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. [41] Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. [42] Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. [43] But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. [44] Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

The Rapture, what is it, why is it, and when is it?

55% of Americans said they believed in the rapture.

1. What is the Rapture?

When Jesus comes to Earth and removes living Christians and escorts them to Heaven to live with them.

The word rapture comes from the Greek word Harpzo which means, "to take up or snatch away."

Harpzo is in the Latin translation several times.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NKJV

[16] For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

2. Why is there Rapture?

1 Thessalonians 4:13 NKJV

[13] But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

We need to practice theology without apology.

Christians go straight to Heaven when they die. Nonbelievers go straight to Hades to be judged.

The Rapture is so comforting to know about because it lets us know that we can be reunited with loved ones at anytime.

The Bible says there is a time to morn. Crying and weeping is morning properly.

As Christians we do not grieve hopelessly. We grieve hopefully, yet we still grieve.

Colossians 3:2 NKJV

[2] Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

John 14:2-3 NKJV

[2] In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

3. When is the Rapture?

It is unknown to man. But it is exactly the day when God has planned it.

Your job is not to know, but to be ready!

1 Corinthians 15:51-52 NKJV

[51] Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed- [52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

It's going to be so quick there will be no time to repent.

The Bible teaches a bodily resurrection. There is already a prototype for this in scripture.

Matthew 27:51-53 NKJV

[51] Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, [52] and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; [53] and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

Sometimes people confuse the Rapture and the Second Coming.

Matthew 24:37-38 NKJV

[37] But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. [38] For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,

It will be like the days of Noah, means it will be a wicked time. It's described like an overflowing septic tank.

The people of the Earth will mock God.

2 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV

[3] knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, [4] and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation."

2 Peter 3:5-6 NKJV

[5] For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, [6] by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water.

Matthew 24:42 NKJV

[42] Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.

Be on the alert and continually expectant.

Matthew 24:45-47 NKJV

[45] "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. [47] Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.

The Lord wants us to be busy serving Him.

We can all offer our time, our talents and our treasures. We should all be giving faithfully to the Lord.

Fake Christians can come to church and play along but don't actually believe. These people cannot fool God.

If you think you can live a double life then you are a fool... Are you actually a believer?

If you follow Jesus, then you are ready to go!

What the Bible Says about Singleness and Marriage

Notes: What the Bible Says about Singleness and Marriage

Ephesians 5

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: Live, Love, Fight

Thursday, May 21, 2015 — 7:00 p.m

One happy marriage...is that even possible?

Most marriages have not been done God's way and it shows in our culture.

Greg has been married for 41 years.

He says he has seen lots of married couples. Most could have been saved from divorce if they followed the Bible’s advice.

Irreconcilable differences are always in all marriages and it is not a reason for divorce.

Good marriages are the fruit of a lot of effort and hard work.

Hebrews 13:5 NLT

[5] Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."

We are called to be content where we are now!

Singles need to look for a Godly person. Look for someone more Godly than you.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35 NLT

[32] I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to please him. [33] But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. [34] His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. [35] I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

It is practical to say you need to think about your spouse.

Proverbs 18:22 NLT

[22] The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.

If you are single, use your time for God's glory.

Every marriage is going to be tried and tested. If you build it on the relationship of Jesus Christ, it will survive.

Matthew 7:24-27 NLT

[24] "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. [25] Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. [26] But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. [27] When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."

If you build a marriage on shifting emotions and feelings then it will collapse.

Is your marriage on the Rock or is it on the rocks?

Greg says he has been married to 5 different women, the same woman that has changed over time 5 times.

When life is over, the three things that really seem to matter are, faith, family and friends.

Wedlock should be a padlock.

If marriage is miserable, the fault lies with the participants, not the institution.

We all need God's help to do it God's way.

Ephesians 5:13-21 NLT

[13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, [14] for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light." [15] So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. [16] Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. [17] Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. [18] Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, [19] singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. [20] And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [21] And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

If you want a successful marriage:

1. Shine the light of God's word on it.

Ephesians 5:13 NLT

[13] But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,

It's no good to search for something if you are looking in the wrong place. If you need counseling, get Biblical counseling.

The advice Greg gives: If you don't agree with what the Bible says, then you are wrong!

2. Wake up!

Ephesians 5:14 NLT

[14] for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light."

The moment you neglect it, it will suffer.

Culture doesn't support the family.

3. Walk carefully.

Ephesians 5:15 NLT

[15] So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.

When we read the scriptures we can see what God has approved.

Victory is not won by evacuation.

4. Use your time wisely.

Ephesians 5:16 NLT

[16] Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

Is your house in order?

5. Be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 NLT

[18] Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

We need the power of the Spirit.

If you are a Spirit filled person then you will be a submitting spouse.

The spirit filled spouse puts the needs of the spouse above their own.

Marriage is not so much about finding the right person; it's about being the right person.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

[13] The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

We have all given into temptation. But there is always a way out.

Sometimes the way out is as simple as walking away from a temptation.

Acts 4:8 NLT

[8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and elders of our people,

Acts 4:29-31 NLT

[29] And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. [30] Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus." [31] After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

1. The word used to say, "filled" by the Spirit is the same that would be describing filling a sail with wind.

2. It describes the idea of permeation, like salt permeating meat.

3. It carries the idea of total control

Galatians 5:16-17 NLT

[16] So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. [17] The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

The Holy Spirit in our lives has come to show us what we need to do.

Get your house in order.

When you are right with God then you don't have to be afraid.

Acts 28: The End of the Beginning

Notes: Acts 28: the End of the Beginning

Pastor John Collins

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Valor

Are we asked to do something great? In Acts we are.

In these chapters we met challenges, perseverance and commitment.

Most commentators believe that Paul was released from his house arrest at the end of Acts, around the age of 60.

This would have been at the time when the Roman Empire would have been beginning to crumble.

Here is where Paul wrote many of the Epistles that we learn from today in the Bible.

Acts 28 is the end of the beginning, we are all living out Acts 29 now.

We see cycles, proclaiming the Gospel, accepting it, denying it and the Apostles being chased out of town.

Acts 28:1-10 NKJV

[1] Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. [2] And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. [3] But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. [4] So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." [5] But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. [6] However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. [7] In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. [8] And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. [9] So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. [10] They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

Paul was received by happy people, they showed him unusual kindness.

Many received healing from Paul, so it would be safe to assume that they heard and received the Gospel willingly.

Acts 28:11-16 NKJV

[11] After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. [12] And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. [13] From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, [14] where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. [15] And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. [16] Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

Puteoli is modern day Naples.

Acts 23:11 NKJV

[11] But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome."

Jesus was teaching His disciples all throughout Acts that even though He was not in the flesh, He was always there. Paul understood this throughout his ministry.

Acts 27:24 NKJV

[24] saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

Paul could move with confidence and continue to encourage those around him. All the men with Paul were on this crazy adventure of faith.

Paul was moving with a bold, crazy, leap of faith.

Acts 28:14 NKJV

[14] ... And so we went toward Rome.

After all the amazing things that have happened to these men they were finally headed to Rome.

God used the boards of the broken ships to bring His people to shore.

God uses old used parts to accomplish His purposes.

God has a mission for all of us in our Christian walk.

God draws straight lines with crooked sticks.

All of the events and tragedies in Acts were used by God to accomplish His purposes.

Acts 28:17-29 NKJV

[17] And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: "Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, [18] who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. [19] But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. [20] For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain." [21] Then they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. [22] But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere." [23] So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. [24] And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. [25] So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, [26] saying, 'Go to this people and say: "Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive; [27] For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them."' [28] "Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!" [29] And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

Paul has faced this story many times. Some believed and some rejected.

It is the law itself that pointed to their freedom in Jesus Christ.

Acts 28:30-31 NKJV

[30] Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, [31] preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Being in his own rented house was significant because he was free from the influence of the government.

Paul's primary objective was preaching and teaching.

Our mission at Harvest is knowing God and making God known.