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.
Jesus Speaks Of Coming Storms
March 30, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Matthew 24:15–27
The Second coming of Jesus Christ is the future event that all Christians long for. Apart from this drastic occasion, the Christian can never be truly satisfied to the fullest. We are blessed. We are empowered. We enjoy the gift of life and all that it contains. Yet, we are not perfectly content until the moment arrives when we see our King. This is the blessed hope of the Christian life, and it will not be denied us. Having said that, before Jesus returns, things will become very dark on planet earth. In this next section of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus prophesies some very dark storms which must arise before He returns. These events will shake the planet in ways that Jesus declared would be the worst days humanity has ever experienced. Why is it important that we understand these things? So we may be prepared in heart, mind, spirit and soul for them when they occur. Be sobered as we learn about the coming storms and how to be ready for them.
Four Facts About The Second Coming
April 6, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Matthew 24:29–35
While many Christians engage in ceaseless debate about the precise timelines of the return of Jesus Christ, there is a danger of them debating the event more than they are personally preparing for it. God did not release revelation about the end of the age in order for his people to fight about it. God wants our understanding of the return of Christ to be received as both a source of warning and a source of joyful hope. The words from Jesus in Matthew 24 serve primarily as a warning. He wants all mankind to be prepared for His return. While the majority of people on the planet remain unconcerned about Jesus returning as Earth’s King, those who have bowed their knees to Him in faith are called to think often and deeply about how this earth-shaking event is to be impacting our lives right now in this present day. Everything is about to change. Are we living as those who are prepared and expectant?
Surrendering Our Clocks Calendars
April 27, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Matthew 24:36–44
The Church needs to get one thing straight and leave it settled forever: Jesus Christ plainly declared that nobody can predict the hour nor day of His return to Earth. Anybody that tries to do so is dishonoring Him. The sensationalized predictions of the date of the Second coming are not something
Jesus signs off on. Yet…Jesus did say MUCH about the season surrounding His return. He also taught quite a bit about some precise things we should expect once that season begins to unfold. In this message, we will take a look at what is going to be happening on earth just prior to the season in which Christ returns. Jesus connects this future season to one in the very distant past which caught humanity by surprise. Why does Jesus connect these two events? Because He does not want for the future generation to be unprepared like that past generation was. This message is a call to quit staring at the prophetic clocks and instead start preparing our lives for His return - no matter how near or distant that may be
Marked For Eternity
May 4, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Matthew 25:31–46
If there in one singular topic that we almost never hear sermons on anymore, it is the subject of Hell. It was once normal for a congregation to hear something about the dangers of eternal hell in their pastor’s sermons. Not anymore. Our culture has no tolerance for such things. Yet, as uncomfortable as modern Christians seem to be at the mention of this reality, the teachings of Scripture remain unchanged. Those who die outside of faith in Christ will spend eternity separated from Him in that place which Jesus described as utter darkness and tormenting flame. Moving forward in our study of the end of the age, we focus in this message on that forever and final separation of the believer and the nonbeliever. Jesus Christ made it clear: a punctuation of the coming series of events will include the banishment of unsaved humans to the place of eternal punishment. It’s uncomfortable…but it is true. We must remember this. And me must not fail to warn people of this.
The Timing Of The Rapture
May 25, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Matthew 24:21–22, 2 Thessalonians 1:4–10, 2 Thessalonians 2:1–5, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17, Matthew 24:29–31
The vast majority of Christians live with an eager expectation of Jesus Christ returning to earth. This is our blessed hope. This event will begin the vindication of His holy name. Yet, Christians hold to different views concerning how and when the return of our King will take place. Many believe that Jesus will return and rapture the Church before the beginning of the Tribulation period. Because of this, they do not live with much concern about what happens during the awful time period decried as the Tribulation. This message shares a deep concern that those who believe in a pre-trip rapture are not biblically informed. Where does the Bible teach a secret catching away of the Church that prevents the elect from the reign of the Antichrist? Practically speaking, if the pre-trim rapture theory is not true, is it reasonable to be concerned that many are not prepared to endure the unparalleled difficulties that belong to the Tribulation which are recorded in Scripture? This message presents a biblical framework for a post-Triublaitonal rapture, and is filled with practical exhortations for believers at the end of the age to prepare for the trouble to come. In the end, we must remember the all-sufficient grace of God who knows how to preserve His people in times of warfare.
Final Rewards: The Judgement Seat Of Christ
June 1, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • 1 Corinthians 3:9–15, 2 Corinthians 5:9–10, Romans 14:10–12
One of the clearest appointments mentioned in scripture is the day of reckoning which all Christians have with King Jesus. Individually, one by one, every child of God will stand before the gracious, merciful dn kind King who will then evaluate the eternal worth of the lives which we live don earth. Jesus promises reward for all who lived for him. Interestingly, while salvation is equal and free, rewards are not. Salvation is freely given through faith in Christ, but rewards are all earned. How we are living for Christ during this present life actually merits or forfeits eternal reward. This is incredible motivation for all Jesus-followers to live proactively for eternal things with pure, spiritual motivations. This message places before us that moment when we stand before the One who loves us most, and we then find out how much our lives mattered for his glory.
Ready Or Not - He Comes
June 8, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Matthew 25:1–13
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?
When The Antichrist Arises-Part 1
June 15, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • 2 Thessalonians 2:1–10
There can be no biblical study on the end of the age without some concentrated emphasis on the man known as the Antichrist. This individual may already be living among us and making his way toward power. The Bible is not vague about identifying what type of man this will be, how he will rise to power, who will be controlling him, and what he will do once he has secured global authority and rule. As modern Christians keep a watchful eye on present global governments, religious trends across the planet, and what is occurring in Israel as we approach the end of days, we are able to see that many things are presently converging which will serve to set the stage for the arising of the Antichrist. While we have no doubts concerning his ultimate destiny, we should all be sobered and prepared for what he will unleash once he comes into power. Jesus Christ will decidedly defeat and destroy him, but before that occurs, he will bring unprecedented trouble to this planet.
When The Antichrist Arises - Part 2
June 29, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Revelation 13:4–8
There can be no biblical study on the end of the age without some concentrated emphasis on the man known as the Antichrist. This individual may already be living among us and making his way toward power. The Bible is not vague about identifying what type of man this will be, how he will rise to power, who will be controlling him, and what he will do once he has secured global authority and rule. As modern Christians keep a watchful eye on present global governments, religious trends across the planet, and what is occurring in Israel as we approach the end of days, we are able to see that many things are presently converging which will serve to set the stage for the arising of the Antichrist. While we have no doubts concerning his ultimate destiny, we should all be sobered and prepared for what he will unleash once he comes into power. Jesus Christ will decidedly defeat and destroy him, but before that occurs, he will bring unprecedented trouble to this planet.
When The Antichrist Arises - Part 3
July 6, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Daniel 7:7–8
There can be no biblical study on the end of the age without some concentrated emphasis on the man known as the Antichrist. This individual may already be living among us and making his way toward power. The Bible is not vague about identifying what type of man this will be, how he will rise to power, who will be controlling him, and what he will do once he has secured global authority and rule. As modern Christians keep a watchful eye on present global governments, religious trends across the planet, and what is occurring in Israel as we approach the end of days, we are able to see that many things are presently converging which will serve to set the stage for the arising of the Antichrist. While we have no doubts concerning his ultimate destiny, we should all be sobered and prepared for what he will unleash once he comes into power. Jesus Christ will decidedly defeat and destroy him, but before that occurs, he will bring unprecedented trouble to this planet.
The Mark Of The Beast
July 13, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Revelation 13:11–18, Revelation 16:1–2, Matthew 16:24–26, Revelation 20:4, Revelation 6:9–11
Some aspects of the study on the end-times passages in the Bible hold more curiosity than others. Few of these topics cause people to lean in than when the topic of the mark of the beast is brought up. What exactly is this mark that the Antichrist’s kingdom will enforce upon its citizens? What happens to those who refuse to take the mark of the beast? What happens to those who do take it? Is it possible that anyone has already received this mark and is ignorant of it? All of these questions will be answered din this message. Additionally, those who watch and listen will gain greater clarity on what is happening at the same time when the mark of the beast emerges into society. This is no small topic as Scripture plainly declares that those who take the mark of the beast will eventually end up in the lake of fire. Those who refuse the mark out of loyalty to Jesus Christ will suffer, but their suffering will end in eternal glory. We must be prepared ahead of time.
The Great Tribulation: The 7 Seals
July 27, 2022 • Jeff Lyle • Revelation 6
Perhaps among all issues related to end-time events, people struggle most with the idea that a loving God might pour out His wrath on the people of earth. Because we are no longer a biblically informed population (or Church for that matter!), we emotionally protest the idea of a God who brings a full and final punishment against those who have rejected and refused Him. Nonetheless, the Bible is clear that wrath is coming to planet earth. The period of God’s wrath being poured out upon the inhabitants of earth is known as The Great Tribulation. In this message, we witness the beginning of that wrath as the seven seals of Revelation 6 are opened. Be sobered by what is shared. Be prepared by examining your own heart to determine how to be prepared. Be encouraged that God’s people will never experience the fullness of His wrath because we are secured by God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
