Things to Do Before the End of the World

Notes:Things to Do before the End of the World

Luke 12

Pastor Greg Laurie

SERIES: God Came Near

Sunday, July 5, 2015 — 10:00 a.m.

Christians should be shining lights in a dark place, and should be anxiously awaiting the return of Jesus Christ. In today's message, Pastor Greg Laurie teaches about the coming return of Christ and the Christian's responsibility to always be prepared for His return.

What If Jesus Christ was coming back at 3pm tomorrow? Not that we will ever know.

We should live everyday as though He was coming back today.

There are 260 chapters in the New Testament and 318 verses referencing Jesus' return.

2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

[9] The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

The Lord is waiting for that last believer to come.

2 Peter 3:10-11,14 NKJV

[10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. [11] Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, [14] Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;

What kind of people should we be? We are to live holy and Godly lives and make every effort to live spotless and blameless life for Him.

Luke 12:35-48 NLT

[35] "Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, [36] as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. [37] The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! [38] He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready. [39] "Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would not permit his house to be broken into. [40] You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." [41] Peter asked, "Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?" [42] And the Lord replied, "A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. [43] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. [44] I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. [45] But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? [46] The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful. [47] "And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn't prepared and doesn't carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. [48] But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.

Jesus is using a first century wedding as the back drop for this illustration.

What things we should be doing as we are waiting.

1. We should be shining lights in a dark place.

We should be ready to go.

Let us be known more for what we are for than what we are against.

Luke 12:38 NLT

[38] He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

Jesus may come later than expected but he will come.

Don't give up praying, God has timing and His timing is perfect.

John 11:5-6 NLT

[5] So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, [6] he stayed where he was for the next two days.

John 11:21-23 NLT

[21] Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask." [23] Jesus told her, "Your brother will rise again."

Ephesians 3:20 NLT

[20] Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

When your only hope is God...that is not a bad place to be!

2. We are to be watching for Him.

Looking for the signs of the times.

3. We are to be ready to go.

To be ready for His return, is to be engaged in activities that you wouldn't be ashamed of if Jesus were to show up.

4. We should be anxiously waiting His return.

Kind of like a loved one coming to visit after a long time.

5. We are to be working.

Luke 12:43 NLT

[43] If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.

If watching is the evidence of faith, then working is the action of faith.

It is a very blessed thing to be blessed as you are anticipating the return of Christ.

Luke 12:45-46 NLT

[45] But what if the servant thinks, 'My master won't be back for a while,' and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? [46] The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant in pieces and banish him with the unfaithful.

This is a description of someone that is not ready for God's return.

The church is the easiest place to get a hardened heart. The message that can transform one heart can harden another.

Parents should continue to bring children to church.

Hebrews 3:12-13 NLT

[12] Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. [13] You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

It's a warning that you should come with an open heart.

There are people who claim to be Christians and do all kinds of crazy things.

Alcohol can bring additional devastation to your life.

Jesus specifically told us to remember Him at the Communion table.

We remember His suffering, His sacrifice and His love for us.

1 Corinthians 11:27-29 NLT

[27] So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. [28] That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup. [29] For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God's judgment upon yourself.

Communion is for Christians only.

Have you made your peace with God?