Jesus taught much about the time right before He would return to planet earth to establish His coming Kingdom. One of the clearest marks of His teachings (and of the writings of the Apostles) reveals the emphasis that vast amounts of people will simply (and dangerously) be unprepared when He returns. Sadly, there will be no second chances for these people. Even more sadly, many of these people will seemingly be close to the Kingdom…but not actually in the Kingdom. In the parable of the lanterns and the oil - also known as the parable of the Foolish Virgins - Jesus speaks with urgency about not putting off becoming prepared for His return. The lack of oil in the lamps provides a symbolic picture of one aspect that is of particular importance for us as we approach the return of Christ. What might be represented by a lantern with no oil? What is the warning we need to discern and heed as we prepare for Jesus to return to earth?
Ready Or Not - He Comes
Matthew 25:1-13
June 8, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Matthew 25:1–13
Together With God In Paradise
September 21, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Revelation 21:1–8
With God and mankind, it all began in a garden together. Eden’s paradise fell into curse and decay via the sin of Adam. The beautiful oneness between God and man was spoiled. Yet, the story continued with the Second Adam, Jesus Christ, who redeemed all that Adam forfeited. In the 2,000 years since Jesus rose and ascended back to the Father, all of humanity has been awaiting the restoration of that paradise. In this final message in the Discerning the Days sermon series, God creates an eternal paradise in which He will dwell alongside of a rescued Bride for all of eternity. This is the beautiful ending of a stunning story of sin, forgiveness, loss and restoration. It began in a paradise lost and will end in a paradise secured. This is the climax of grace and faith: God and mankind dwell together again. This time it is forever.
Gog, Magog, & The Final Judgement
September 14, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Revelation 20:7–15
Since Lucifer’s rebellion against God in the throne room of heaven, there has never existed a single moment wherein there was absolute, perfect peace and harmony in the realm of creation. Rebellion, hostility, sin, seduction, war and strife have been interwoven into all aspects of the created order since that dreadful moment when Lucifer sought God’s throne for Himself. The decree of God is that He would some day restore perfect harmony, order and righteousness to His creation. Before that happens, all rebellion must be eradicated from existence. The battle of Gog and Magog is the final stage of all that is not of God being forever purged from existence. After God & Magog comes the final judgment, and then God ushers in paradise forever. This message takes us to that final scene of rebellion and hatred against God and His Son, Jesus Christ. In the end, there is not really a fight - just a fatal finality for the enemies of God.
Understanding, Expecting, & Preparing
March 23, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Matthew 24:1–14
Would it surprise you to know that the Jesus’ original disciples had questions about the end of the age? The ones who lived side-by-side with Jesus were startled one day when He made an alarming statement about what would happen in Jerusalem in a short time. This conversation led to them asking deeper questions about the full establishing of His Kingdom on earth. The details Jesus shared with them went mostly over the heads. We, however, have the ability to examine what Jesus said and apply His answers in a way that makes it crystal clear that we are extremely close to the final fulfillment of what He shared nearly 2,000 years ago. While Matthew 24 is not all that the scriptures say about the end of the age, these words are certainly the strongest jumping-off point in this series of messages that will equip us to live as those who are properly discerning the days.