Three Essential Questions
After watching the message take some time reflect on the following three questions.
- What did you hear? What point in this message was most impactful for you?
- What do you think? How did this message challenge, change, or affirm your thinking?
- What will you do? How will you put into practice what you've learned today?
"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming." James 5:7
"Do not give up hope, because the Lord is coming soon." James 5:8
"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged." James 2:12
"The Judge is near, ready to appear." James 5:9
WHAT WILL THE LAST DAYS BE LIKE?
Jesus: "There will be great distress in the world at that time,
unparalleled since the world began." Matt. 24:21 (NJB)
- Jesus' description: Matt. 24:7-15
- Paul's description: 2 Tim. 3:1-5
- Peter's description: 2 Peter 3:3, 10-13
"The day of the Lord's return will come unexpectedly like a thief . . . So, since everything we see will one day come to an end, what kind of people should we be? We should liveholy and godly lives, look forward to the coming Day of God and speed its coming! We look forward to a new heaven and new earth that Jesus has promised, a world where goodness lives." 2 Peter 3:10-13
HOW SHOULD I LIVE TO PREPARE FOR HIS COMING?
1. CLEAN OUT THE GARBAGE IN MY LIFE
"Getting angry at things will never help you live the righteous life God
wants. So get rid of all the filth and evil habits you've learned. Then
humbly accept God's Word planted in your heart, because it can save
your soul." James 1:20-21
"Christ is our life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory!
So put all evil things out of your life: sexual sinning, doing evil, letting
evil thoughts control you, wanting things that are evil, and greed. This
is really serving a false god. These things make God angry. In your
past, evil life you also did these things. But now also put these things
out of your life: no anger, no bad temper, no doing or saying things to
hurt others, and no using evil words when you talk." Col. 3:4-8 (NCV)
Action Plan: Write down each of your habits that you consider unhealthy for a Christian. Next to each one, write down your prayer and commitment to rid your life of these habits. Discuss with a trusted friend, or your small group so you have accountability.
2. STAY CONNECTED TO CHRIST
". . . The Spirit that God gave to live in us wants us for himself alone. So, give yourself completely to God. . . . Draw close to God and He willdraw close to you!" James 4:5, 7-8 (NCV)
"Continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, youwill be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame." 1 Jn. 2:28 (NLT)
Action Plan: If you are not having a daily devotion time with Christ and his word, start (Saddleback.com/quiettime)! If you are not in a small group, join one (See Every Service Action Steps below). If you are not participating in Sunday worship, start!
3. USE TROUBLE TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY STRONG
"You know that troubles test your faith and develop endurance. SO, let yourendurance grow, for when it is fully developed, you will be strong in characterand ready for anything!" James 1:3-4
"May God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put together – spirit, soul, and body – and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ." 1 Thes. 5:23 (Mes)
Action Plan: Write down any current stressful situation you are in (financial, personal, work, etc). Write down a prayer for God to give you strength to get through your situations. Make a commitment to say these prayers each day.
4. PRACTICE LOVING EVERYONE
"You will always do the right thing if you obey the most important law in the Scriptures. It is the law that commands us to love everyone else as much aswe love ourselves." James 2:8 (CEV)
"May the Lord make your love grow more and more and multiply for each other and for all people so that you will love others as much as we love you. May your hearts be made strong so that you will be holy and without fault before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes back with all who belong to him!" 1 Thes. 3:12-13 (NCV)
Action Plan: Are there people that you are actively not loving because they hurt you, hurt a family member, or that you may be afraid of? Write down their names and write down something you can do to start loving them. Have coffee and talk? Forgive them? Discuss with a trusted friend, or your small group for accountability.
5. INVEST IN THE BANK OF HEAVEN
James: "God's generosity to us . . . (James 1:5, 1:12, 1:17, 1:18, 4:6)
should make us generous to others!" (James 1:27, 2:16)
Jesus: "Sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! By getting your treasure into heaven, it will be safe for eternity; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it." Luke 12:33 (NLT)
"Tell people to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give happily to those in need, always ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this they are storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven – it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well." 1 Tim. 6:18-19 (LB)
6. USE THE GIFTS GOD GAVE ME TO REACH OTHERS
"I can never stop thanking God for all the generous gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Now you have every spiritual gift you need
as you eagerly wait for the return of our LordJesus Christ." 1 Cor. 1:4, 7 (NLT)
"Remember, the reason the Lord is waiting is so that people have time to be saved."
2 Peter 3:15 (NLT)
Every Service Action Steps
We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 99000 or email newstart@saddleback.com
We express our gratitude to God for his goodness by giving back to him.
Your generosity online is feeding tens of thousands of out-of-work families
and serving many other needs. Give at Saddleback.com/give
We meet in small groups online to discuss what we've heard. To join a group, text SMALLGROUP to 99000 or email SMALLGROUP@saddleback.com.
To be baptized, email mybaptism@saddleback.com.
Listen to our podcasts "Doable Discipleship" and "The Well" from our Saddleback Growth team at Saddleback.com/learn
