The TIME is SHORT!

   “Living in Light of the LAST DAYS”

Matthew 24:36-51

“The coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah…” Jesus  (Mt. 24:37)                      

I.  Who Knows What TIME It Is? (24:36-51) 

The general time period of Jesus return will be known from the “birth pangs” and “signs,” but the exact “day and hour,” no one will know “but the ____________ alone.” (v. 36)

“Like the DAYS of NOAH”  (24:37-41)

Key Word:  _____________________

(Eating + Drinking + Marrying) – _______ = Disaster cf.  Is. 22:12-13; Is. 56:10-12; 1 Cor. 15:32

“If you are living as if there is No God, you better be right!” Bumper Sticker

“Like a THIEF in the NIGHT”  (24:42-44)

The Coming of Christ is often compared to a __________ in the N.T..  cf.  1 Thess. 5:2-4; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3; 16:15

Key Word:  ______________________

(Nice House + Sleepy ________) + Thief = Disaster

“Like a MASTER & SLAVE”   (24:45-51)

    FYI – Everyone is a _________ to someone or something!

cf.  Jn. 8:34; Rom. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; 2 Tim. 2:24

Key Word:  _________________

(Master + Chores) + ______________ Slave = Disaster

cf.  Luke 12:41-48

  The “faithful” servant will be _____________ with “all

His master’s possessions.” (24:47)  cf. Lk. 12:42-44 The lazy, procrastinating servant will be judged according to what he __________.  cf.  Lk. 12:45-48 The Christian living in America better take heed to Jesus’ words, because “to whom much is given, ______ will be required!     cf.  Lk. 12:48

Practical Application:  

  1. “Be on the ALERT” – Mt. 24:42
  2. “Be READY” –  Mt. 24:44

         Appointments with God

           The TIME is SHORT!

            Matthew 24:36-51                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Monday, August 22nd                                         

Meditate upon the Culture’s Indifference to God:

  • Isaiah 22:12-14; 56:12-14

Check out the phrase, “Let us eat and drink, for  tomorrow we may die.”  What did God desire instead?  Spend time in humble confession of sin.

Tuesday, August 23rd                                       

Meditate upon the Culture’s Need for the Gospel:

  • 1 Corinthians 15:32-34

1 Corinthians is the Resurrection chapter of the Bible. The resurrection gives us HOPE in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Pray for those in our community who don’t yet know Christ as Savior!

Wednesday, August 24th                                    

Meditate upon the Unexpected Arrival of Jesus Christ:

  • 1 Thess. 5:1-3; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3

Why will no one know the exact time of Jesus’ coming? Notice the words “peace and safety.”  Then sudden destruction” will come!  Pray for the Church to Wake Up and be prepared for Christ’s Coming!

Thursday, August 25th                                  

Meditate upon the Faithful and Sensible Slave:

  • Matthew 24:45-47; Luke 12:42-44

Jesus asks, “Who is the faithful and sensible slave?”  Are you?  This is the servant who takes God’s Will and Priorities seriously.  As God has blessed us with His Word & His Gospel, seek to bless another today!

Friday, August 26th                                   

Meditate upon the Evil, Unprepared Slave:

  • Matthew 24:48-51; Luke 12:45-48

The key to this slave’s half-hearted response is that he doesn’t think his master is coming for “a long time.” He basically wastes his life and has nothing to do with His Master’s priorities.  Pray for these people!

Saturday/Sunday, Aug. 27-28

  Meditate upon the Responsibility of Privilege & Blessing:

  • Luke 12:48

Who is it that has been “given much?”  Have you?  What does this mean?  Materially?  Spiritually?  Both?  Ask God for wisdom in how you spend your Time, Talents & Treasures.  May it be for His Kingdom Purposes!

[audio:http://www.marshalltownefc.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/34-The-Time-is-Short-Mat.-24_36-51.mp3|titles=34 The Time is Short (Mat. 24_36-51)]

34 The Time is Short (Mat. 24_36-51)

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