Using our Timeline b/c there is a Deadline

Beginning the Journey  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
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Intro

What we believe dictates how we live

Sitting on chair
Pushing gas pedal
Deadline for school paper —> write the essay
Exam date —> study
Mark 13:1–9 ESV
1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.

Do you believe Jesus is coming back?

If so, does your life evidence that belief?

Today, we’ll look at 3 indicators of whether or not we truly believe that to be true.

But before we do, what hinders us from living as if that’s true?

1. Not knowing the deadline.

Taxes, Exams, procrastination.

If so, when?

Research 55% of Americans believe w/in lifetime
41% church believe by 2050
When do you think He’s coming back?
Indicators of When:
Mark 13:24–27 ESV
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
Mark 13:10 ESV
10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.
Regardless of when He comes back, I believe

2. We live for the moment and not for the future.

Dating V end dictates how I live in the here and now.
Is your vision of tomorrow impacting how you live today or are you living today with no regard to tomorrow?

If you believe He’s coming back your life should be lived in preparation of His second coming.

Jesus’ second coming
Revelation 19:11–16 ESV
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Are you excited? Are you ready?
Give examples of not being ready
Girl not ready for a date, still getting makeup on. As the bride of Christ are you ready for His return?
Guys show 15sec sport reel - men, are we playing with urgency or are we showing up like there’s no shot clock?
Sometimes we live the Christian life like theres a scoreboard but no shot clock, we have teammates but no opponent.

Are we ready? Jesus exhorts us to be ready!

If we’re suppose to make glorify God why do we procrastinate with the time we’ve been given? Why do we not live with urgency? two options
One option, we don’t believe He’s coming back
A second option, we believe He’s coming back but We’re not alert and aware/we’re not “awake”
Mark 13:9 ESV
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.
Mark 13:23 ESV
23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
Mark 13:33–37 ESV
33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Contrast with Mark 14:32-42 Jesus’ exhortation to stay awake
Mark 14:32–42 ESV
32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

Not knowing the day or the hour Jesus will come back is not an excuse to procrastinate but rather it is meant to give us a sense of urgency to prioritize how we spend our time today.

My hope is that instead of living like there’s no deadline all of us would use our timeline for the one Who became our lifeline.

Main point(s):
1. Instead of living like there’s no deadline, we should live for the one who died to become our lifeline.
lifeline analogy as comparison to Jesus rescuing us.
Preach on the power of the Cross/Gospel
2. If Jesus has become our lifeline (savior), we are to glorify Him with our timeline.
compare our timelines to the strings of a guitar - when played properly and in unity -makes a beautiful melody

3 Indicators you believe He’s coming back.

3 Indicators you are living with the end in mind.

3 Implications:

1. We have a peace that isn’t based on the moment. // We don’t panic when negative things happen in our world/culture. Mark 13:8

Mark 13:8 ESV
8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
Mark 13:7 (ESV)
7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.

2. We endure with hope and joy.

Mark 13:13 (ESV)
13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Hebrews 12:2–3 ESV
2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

3. We are intentional about sharing our faith. Mark 13:10

Mark 13:10–11 ESV
10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
3.Action step:
Some of you maybe just need to cling to the hope and joy provided in Jesus because you’re going through a dark season.
Others, maybe God’s seeking to mobilize you in sharing your faith.
Two opportunities to sign up for: Outreach on April 7th and May 5th.

Consolidated Summary

Problem: We procrastinate and live like there’s no deadline. But if Jesus isn’t dead than we should use our timeline - well, for Him!
But Jesus is coming back!
Main point(s):
1. Instead of living like there’s no deadline, we should live for the one who died to become our lifeline.
2. If Jesus has become our lifeline (savior), we are to glorify Him with our timeline.
Why do we procrastinate? Why do we not live with urgency? B/c
A. We don’t believe He’s coming back
B. We’re not alert and aware/we’re not “awake”
How do we know if we’re awake? 3 Indicators
1. We don’t panic when negative things happen in our world/culture.
2. We are intentional about sharing our faith.
3. We are joyful and hopeful.

Expanded Outline

How many of you have ever procrastinated on a homework assignment?
How many of y’all wouldn’t do your homework if you didn’t have a due date?
In Mark 13 Jesus gives us some indicators of the end times - not only will our life come to an end but at some point the world is appointed for destruction and judgment.
Mark 13:24–27 (ESV)
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
Jesus is coming back!
Revelation 19:11–16 ESV
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Are you excited? Are you ready?
Give examples of not being ready
Girl not ready for a date, still getting makeup on. As the bride of Christ are you ready for His return?
Guys show 15sec sport reel - men, are we playing with urgency or are we showing up like there’s no shot clock?
Sometimes we live the Christian life like theres a scoreboard but no shot clock, we have teammates but no opponent.
Main point(s):
1. Instead of living like there’s no deadline, we should live for the one who died to become our lifeline.
lifeline analogy as comparison to Jesus rescuing us.
Preach on the power of the Cross/Gospel
2. If Jesus has become our lifeline (savior), we are to glorify Him with our timeline.
compare our timelines to the strings of a guitar - when played properly and in unity -makes a beautiful melody
If we’re suppose to make glorify God why do we procrastinate with the time we’ve been given? Why do we not live with urgency? two options
One option, we don’t believe He’s coming back
A second option, we believe He’s coming back but We’re not alert and aware/we’re not “awake”
Mark 13:9 ESV
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.
Mark 13:23 ESV
23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
Mark 13:33–37 ESV
33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Contrast with Mark 14:32-42 Jesus’ exhortation to stay awake
Mark 14:32–42 ESV
32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
How do we know if we’re awake? What does it look like to glorify God with our timeline?
3 Implications:
1. We don’t panic when negative things happen in our world/culture. Mark 13:8
Mark 13:8 ESV
8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
Instead we
2. We are intentional about sharing our faith. Mark 13:10
Mark 13:10 ESV
10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.
3. We endure with hope and joy.
Mark 13:13 ESV
13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Hebrews 12:2–3 ESV
2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Action step:
Some of you maybe just need to cling to the hope and joy provided in Jesus because you’re going through a dark season.
Others, maybe God’s seeking to mobilize you in sharing your faith.
Two opportunities to sign up for: Outreach on April 7th and May 5th.

Intro

Jesus is coming back!
Are you excited about it? Are you looking forward to His return? Are you ready for His return?
Passage
2 Ways we can ensure we’re ready for His return:
Accept Him
Share Him
Game with time vs without time
Time makes moments meaningful. Time is a limited resource and how we spend the time matters.
How are you spending your time? If He came back, would you be ready?
Are you ready?
Do you live like He’s returning?
JESUS IS COMING BACK; that should impact us in 3 ways:
Give us hope to endure
Readiness/Awake/Alert/On Gaurd // Give us an urgency
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