Spark Notes (2/11)

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Introduction to the End Times                                                                                                              Session 1

I.                 Why Study the End Time?

a.      Jesus commands us watch and pray and stay alert and know the times in which we are living.  Jesus and Paul emphasized the ability to know the signs and live prepared.

                                                    i.     “When you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door…this generation will not pass away until all these things take place (Jesus return) (Matt. 24:33-34)

                                                   ii.     Paul was only with the Thessalonians three weeks (Acts 17:2) and taught in length on Jesus’ return and the antichrist. “Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things” (2 Thess. 2:5)

                                                  iii.     Believers are called to have understanding and instruct others.  “For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.  While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety!’  Then destruction will come upon them suddenly.  But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are sons of light…let us not sleep as others do.”  (1 Thess. 5:2-5)  “The people who know their God will display strength and take action.  Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many.”  (Daniel  11:32-33)

b.      It awakens the Church to urgency and motivates her to live prepared and it strengthens her confidence in God’s sovereignty by knowing that He is in control.

c.      It is the most talked about generation (time period) in the Bible.  Over 150 chapters in the Bible have Jesus return as its theme. 

d.      It prepares the Church to intercede and participate in the coming revival and be victorious (over comers)   in love and power in the most dramatic time in human history.

e.      It awakens love in our hearts for our Bridegroom King Jesus to return to the earth and establish His reign.  We fall more in love with Him! 



II.                The Day of the Lord

a.      The “Day of the Lord” as referred to in scripture speaks of the years, months, and days leading up to the return of Jesus.  The “Day of the Lord” also speaks of the final hours and minutes when He appears in the sky, coming on a cloud with His angels and saints.  



III.              Watch and Pray

a.      Watch   -   The beginning of birth pangs: 12 signs  (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21)

                                                    i.     “Jesus…said to them:  “Take heed that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am Christ’, and will deceive many.  And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not troubled…the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these things are the beginning of birth pangs.”  (Matt. 24:4-8)

                                                   ii.     “When you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified…There will be great earthquakes…famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.  Before all these things, they will persecute you…You will be betrayed even by parents and relatives and friends…But not a hair of your head shall be lost.  (Luke 21:9-18)

                                                  iii.     The Church will look up and lift their heads in encouragement knowing Jesus is coming soon.  “When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near…Look at the fig tree, when they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.  So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.”  (Luke 21:28-31)

                                                  iv.     Jesus rebukes the people for being able to read weather signs while being unable to interpret the prophetic signs of His first coming.  “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is.  And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is.  Hypocrites!  You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?”  (Luke 12:54-56)

b.      Pray

                                                    i.     The Spirit is awakening His Bride to establish prayer and worship to grow her into her identity and authority to be able to stand courageous in the midst of the most difficult times in human history.

1.      In 1985 there were 20 (24 hours/ day) houses of prayer found in the world.  Today, there are over 200,000 houses of prayer.  The Spirit is awakening intercession and worship.  God governs the universe in intimate partnership with His people through intercession.  The majesty and mystery of intercession is seen foremost in Jesus’ relationship with the Father.  “He (Jesus) always lives to make intercession for them.”  (Heb. 7:25)  “I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.”  (Ezek. 22:30)  “If my people”….(2 Chron. 14:7)

2.      He inhabits the praises of His people.  The prayer and worship movement creates an atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to come and manifest His presence corporately.  While we lift our voices, meditate in His word, and worship Him, He speaks opens our hearts to His ways.  “He (Holy Spirit) will not speak on His own, but what He hears, He will speak and He will reveal to you what is to come.”  (John 16:13)

3.      Jesus grants authority to His people and they participate with Jesus in the End Time Events.  “I will grant authority to my two witnesses…these will have power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them to blood and to strike the earth with every plague.”  (Rev. 11:3-6)

4.      Jesus is returning to His bride as they sing and call for Him to return.  “The Spirit and Bride say, ‘Come’.”  (Rev. 22:17)
To watch the full service, click here.
              


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