Marching Orders

Introduction

A reminder that we are like chess pieces, willing to give our lives for the mission?

Passage: Mark 13:3-13

Big Idea: Our life should get us and others ready for the next life

The problems of persecution usually don’t happen because we say that Jesus is our savior, but only when we say that He is Lord!

Jesus is calling His disciples to give their very lives to spread the gospel.

Spend some time going over some “fast facts” regarding Jesus’ return.

If someone says, “here He is” they are wrong (Mark 13:21-23)

People will try to deceive you (Mark 13:5)

Wars, earthquakes, famines are not signs, but reminders (Mark 13:8)

Things are generally going to get worse, and we will be persecuted. When this happens, we will have a supernaturally-empowered opportunity to tell people about Jesus (Mark 13:10-11)

Jesus’ return will be unexpected and should encourage us to stay vigilant. (Mark 13:32-36)

Does what is described in v. 9-13 seem worth it to you? Are you willing to be beaten and persecuted for an opportunity to share the gospel? To “bear witness before them." Would I want my daughter to be one of the ones who came back or not (from persecution story where daughter didn’t come back because she refused to deny Christ.)

Do you know how to share the gospel? Do you know the gospel? It seems that Jesus is ok, even thinks we will be encouraged by the idea that our lives are going to be spent sharing the gospel. Spent like used up.

Mark Preach the Gospel First (13:9–13)

The end in this case means the end of their lives.

If it comes to it, would you chose family or Jesus? Your parents or Jesus? Your life or Jesus? Your friends or Jesus? Your comfort or Jesus? This world is full of temptation to love other things more than we love God. Story of kidnapping in Nigeria

Do you agree? Define treason. #love_other things more than God#

It is unreasonable to expect a world without temptation. Pam Harrison losing 100+ lbs while still weekly making her husband delicious muffins that she doesn’t eat.

How is this possible? Keep track of the why. Why are you here? Why are you alive? What is your purpose in life? Our life should get us and others ready for the next life

Are you listening? Because my guess is you have fallen into two categories:

This is ridiculous. There is no way Jesus is asking me to do that.

Ok, read the passage and tell me what it means.

I can’t do it. I can’t give up my friends, family, way of life, future, goals, hopes, dreams, desires, everything for Jesus.

I know. Be encouraged that your acceptance into heaven does not depend on your ability to do this, but on Jesus’ perfection in that He has already done this!

Jesus has already done all of this. He has given up everything.

This, however, does not let us off the hook. We should pray, not to love the things in our life less but to love God more.

CYC:

See that no one leads you astray (v. 5)

Be on your guard (v. 9, 23, 33)

Stay awake (v. 33, 35, 36, 37)