Pay Attention

Pay Attention - Matthew 24:4-7

INTRO: St. Louis - Spearmint gum (leaves)

I was deceived by the words of those I trusted. I was deceived because I chose to listen to them; because of my thirstiness.

I would not have been deceived if I would’ve Paid Attention.

Many of us, in our sincere desire to honor God; get “deep” in the faith must PAY ATTENTION.

We must PAY ATTENTION to who we LISTEN to; what’s going on around us; to our thirst.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE TRICKSTERS - 4

E - Watch out = Blepo; perceive with the eyes; to notice carefully.

Jesus is giving a warning to His disciples to Watch Out for the TRICKSTERS; Fake People, SCAMMERS...particularly those in leadership positions. Politicians; Professors; CEO’s; Influencers.

R - Jesus is speaking to us today. Watch Out FOR THE TRICKSTER! PREACHERS. A “pastor/preacher” in TN has a large following, spews words of hatred and incites violence.

TRICKSTERS use words like “Kingdom” and “Nation” to MISLEAD.

1 John 3:7 “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as He is righteous.” PUT PEOPLE OUT.

A - Many are claiming they are the anointed ones, speaking on behalf of Christ.

Matthew 7:22-23 “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Pay Attention! to who you follow on social media; TV; Don’t be so anxious to get a “word” from a big name celebrity. You must Pay Attention!

PAY ATTENTION TO THE TROUBLES - 6

E - Jesus warns His disciples to PAY ATTENTION to world events...BUT don’t be alarmed = state of fear associated with surprise.

Wars and rumors of wars; NATION AGAINST NATION; KINGDOM AGAINST KINGDOM....ROUTINE HISTORY; OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

R - Buffalo, NY; On May 14th, a mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, New York, at a Tops Friendly Markets store.

Ten people were killed, and three others were injured; 11 of the victims were black.

White supremacist; "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory.

“I’m simply a white man seeking to protect and serve my community, my culture and my race.”

Put plainly, desire to cleanse the country of Black people. Another example of the lingering legacy of racial hatred.

WE MUST PAY ATTENTION-TROUBLE!

A - As a Pastor, I am tired of these senseless killings of my people. I’m sure you are as well. It just doesn’t make sense.

Changing gun laws is noT the solution. THE SOLUTION is a change of hearts.

Mk 7:21 “21 For it is from a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—

Ezekiel 36:26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

A Changed Heart will end racism; eliminate hatred;

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR THIRST - 7

E - A popular expression was THIRSTY = eager; desperate.

What is it we THIRST for?

R - We THIRST for God’s righteous will to be done.

This is called Godliness = the practice of conforming to the laws and wishes of God; sincerely and morally. reflecting the nature of the kingdom of God in the course of everyday life.

President Joe Biden visited Buffalo, many of the people knelt in prayer. some shouted “Don’t PRAY! Stand up and fight.” But those who were kneeling remained on their knees, praying.

2 Chron 7:14 “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

FASTING - Esther 4

LOVING - John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Should we arm ourselves? Should we retaliate with violence?

2 Cor 10:4 “4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”

PAY ATTENTION to what you THIRST for. Vengeance is Mine...

CLOSE: PAY ATTENTION TO THE TRICKSTERS

PAY ATTENTION TO THE TROUBLES

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR THIRST

WHY?…BECAUSE JESUS IS COMING BACK.

We don’t know the day or the hour. but He’s coming back.

And when He comes back He will destroy false prophets; those who oppose Him; He will bring peace to the nations; Satan and his demons will be cast into the lake of fire; we will receive the reward He has for our sacrifice.

Until then...Stand for Justice; Righteousness; so the your godliness will testify of Christs’ power.

Romans 12:21 “21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”