Be On Guard for Christ's Return - Santosh Poonen - December 11, 2016
http://rlcf.church/sermons/guard-christs-return River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true spirituality is measured by how one lives out their faith, not just by singing powerful songs. Drawing from Matthew 10, he warns believers to be shrewd and innocent when facing opposition, assuring them that the Spirit will provide words when they are persecuted. Ultimately, he urges the audience not to fear man but to fear God, as they are more valuable than sparrows, and to be prepared for conflict rather than expecting earthly peace.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Living out what we singThe speaker is convicted that the powerful words Christians sing on Sundays should be daily realities, noting that our spirituality is determined by how much of those truths we actually live out.
Approaching the topic of end times in Matthew 10Opening Matthew 10, the speaker addresses the divisive nature of eschatology and warns against getting caught up in doctrinal arguments that cause us to miss Jesus's actual instructions.
The disciple is like his teacherJesus explains that the disciple must become like his master, meaning that if the world treated the head of the house as Beelzebul, members of His spiritual household will face similar persecution and hostility.
Challenging the comfort-loving view of the end timesThe speaker critiques the recent theological trend suggesting God will snatch the church away just before trial, arguing instead that the church shares in Christ's sufferings and must be prepared to endure.
What does the Bible say about the rapture?Reviewing foundational scriptures on the rapture, the speaker explains the sudden transformation in the twinkling of an eye when believers are caught up with the Lord.
The sequence of events in 2 Thessalonians 2Reading through 2 Thessalonians 2, the speaker highlights that the day of the Lord will not come until the apostasy occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed.2 Thessalonians 2:1–15
First: Beware of the leaven of the pharisees (Hypocrisy)The speaker warns that long before overt sin occurs, a subtle veneer of hypocrisy and coldness can build up in our daily lives and relationships.
Second: Beware of men and greedExamining the account in Luke 12 where a man interrupts Jesus over a family inheritance, the speaker warns against greed and becoming enslaved to men or earthly possessions.
Third: Develop the daily habit of listening to the Holy SpiritBelievers must cultivate a daily habit of hearing God's voice now so that when trials and scarcity arise, the Spirit's words will naturally flow through them.
Fourth: Be radical against the satanic spirit of loving comfortReflecting on Jesus rebuking Peter when Peter rejected the cross, the speaker warns that seeking an easy, comfortable life aligns us with the enemy rather than God's interests.
Fifth: Expect to be hated for preaching the crossWalking in the message of the cross will cause friction and opposition, sometimes even coming from members of one's own family who reject the narrow path.
Sixth: Fear God and do not worry about the little thingsConcluding with the encouragement that fearing God frees us from fearing anyone or anything else, the speaker reminds believers that God cares intimately for every detail of their lives.Isaiah 8:13
