How the Future Impacts the Present

 Revelation 20:1-6 and Matthew 24:36-44

How the Future Impacts the Present

(pt. 10)

INTRO:  How does the disciples’ unpreparedness at Gethsemane tie in with this morning’s sermon text (note Matthew 24:36-44)?

If Jesus' faithful disciples were unprepared after a mere 60 minutes (see Matthew 26:40), how many believers will be caught asleep at the wheel when the King returns (2000+ years later)?  

How should the future impact the present?  Why is biblical eschatology so important?

How many believers today will be unprepared when the King finally returns after 2000+ years?  List 5 reasons why this is so. 

“I want to be more expectant and excited about the 2^nd Coming of Christ but I am struggling to do so.”  How does one foster greater longings for future and eternal things?  Talk with another LCBCer who is “on fire” for Christ.

General Outline of Jesus’ Oliviet Discourse

I) The Horrific Tribulation                              (Matthew 24:4-28)

II) The Glorious 2^nd Coming                            (Matthew 24:29-32)

 

                     (or)

I) End Times (Kingdom) Confusion                (Matthew 24:3)

II) Red Letter Clarification                             (Matthew 24:4-25:46)

The “Horrific Tribulation” and the “Glorious Return of Christ” should impact our lives in a multiplicity of ways.  In view of the prophesied future (per v. 4-31)- 

Jesus’ disciples must be:

1) Well Versed Students of Scripture (especially of biblical prophecy).

(Matthew 24:32-35)

Jesus’ disciples must be:

Israel's Future Salvation and the Messianic Kingdom: Rev. 20; Luke 13:34-35

 Revelation 20:1-6 and Luke 13:34-35

Future Things: Israel’s Salvation and the Messianic Kingdom

(pt. 4)

INTRO:  “In God we trust.”  But should we: Can God and Christ be fully trusted?

(By the end of this sermon you should be able to explain how these questions relate to Luke 13:34-35 and how they’re connected with the biblical promises God made with Israel).

In effort to help us understand Revelation 20:4-6 we’re establishing 4 Central Affirmations of King Jesus Concerning the Forthcoming Kingdom of God.

   From Luke 19:11-44 and Luke 21:24 we’ve noted that:

I)                   When the Messianic King Comes, He Will Establish the Kingdom-- just not right away!

(Luke 19:11-27)

II)               For Rejecting her King, the Jewish People will be repeatedly trampled upon UNTIL

“the time of the Gentiles is complete.”

(Luke 19:28-44; Luke 21:24)

III) The Glorious Kingdom will be established WHEN national Israel finally welcome Jesus as Savior, Lord, and King!

(Luke 13:34-35)

To help us understand and apply Luke 13:34-35 in a God-honoring way we’re going to hang our thoughts on 4 “R’s”

I) RUEFULNESS-  Luke 13:34a; 19:41; Ezekiel 18:23

II) REJECTION  -  Luke 13:34b; 19:27; Acts 2:22-23; 3:13-15