The End is Near

• If you’re a Christian, you will face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12, Acts 14:22, John 15:18,20) • We are called to endure not to escape • As the end approaches, things will be rough (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 4:3-4) • Without the Word of God, we are incomplete and woefully unprepared (2 Timothy 3:16) 4 COMMANDS AND 1 GOAL To be prepared for the end of all things: 1. GET SERIOUS ABOUT PRAYER (1 Peter 4:7) - Be Alert = Spiritually Awake - Be of Sober Mind = clear minded, no clutter - Being Under Satan’s Yoke 2. LOVE EACH OTHER DEEPLY (1 Peter 4:8) - ABOVE ALL = Trumps everything - Love is NOT a feeling, it’s a decision / sacrifice - Deeply/fervently = Love is to be stretched - Biblical Gold Standard of Love = 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 - 1 of Satan’s chief strategies = Divide & Conquer - LOVE DOES NOT MEAN LEAVING….STAY TOGETHER! 3. OFFER HOSPITALITY WITHOUT COMPLAINING (1 Peter 4:9) - Use your home to serve others - Life Groups create community = essential to be prepared for the end 4. USE YOUR GIFTS FAITHFULLY (1 Peter 4:10) - Every Christian receives at least one gift - Pastor’s job not to do work of ministry, his job is to equip YOU to do work of ministry (Eph 4:11-13) - Challenge - Find Your gifts & use them - 301 Class – Discover Your Ministry (October) - Spiritual Gifts given to SERVE OTHERS 1 GOAL = TO GLORIFY GOD (1 Peter 4:11)