God is good, and today we gather to explore a challenging yet vital topic: the decline of truth, morality, and sexuality in our culture. This message is not about condemnation but about love and truth. We are living in times reminiscent of the days of Noah and Lot, where immorality and violence were rampant. Yet, even in such times, there was a righteous remnant, and today, the Church of Jesus Christ stands as that remnant, awaiting His return.
In Luke 17, Jesus speaks of the end times, drawing parallels between Noah's and Lot's days and our current era. The world then was marked by immorality and violence, much like today, with increasing intolerance and moral decline. Yet, amidst this, there remains a call for righteousness. The sudden removal of righteousness, as seen in the rapture, is a reminder of the urgency to live godly lives. The coming judgment is not just a warning but a call to ensure our hearts are right with God.
We must be vigilant in three areas: truth, morality, and sexuality. The decline in these areas is evident, but we are called to stand firm on the truth of God's Word. The Bible is not to be altered to fit our ideologies; it is the divine standard by which we live. Sexuality, as designed by God, is sacred and should be honored within the bounds of marriage. The world may present various sexual identities and practices, but God's standard remains unchanged.
In these end times, our response should be one of exaltation of Christ over self, submission to God's authority, acceptance of biblical moral standards, and loving others sacrificially. We are to walk by the Spirit, keeping in step with His guidance, and live by the truth of God's Word. As we navigate these challenging times, let us hold onto the joy that comes from knowing Jesus is on His throne and is coming for a church that is ready.
Week 1
Today we started a new series on the end times, we delved into the beauty and significance of Bible prophecy. The scriptures, particularly Matthew 24, remind us that we are living in prophetic times, with many signs of the end times unfolding before our eyes. The Bible's prophetic nature sets it apart, offering us a reliable source of truth about the future. Prophecy serves to warn unbelievers and comfort believers, assuring us of the truth of God's Word and the hope we have in Christ.
We examined the two contrasting stories of the world: one of despair and hopelessness, and the other of redemption and restoration through Christ. The latter, God's story, is the true and beautiful narrative that offers hope and purpose. As we explored various prophecies concerning Israel, we were reminded of God's faithfulness and the imminent return of Christ. The fulfillment of these prophecies underscores the reliability of the Bible and the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return.
