It’s Time for Us to Get Our Ducks in a Row!

3.29.2020

 

The current crisis can be seen as a wake-up call to the world at large.

 

Things can happen very quickly that can drastically alter how we live life.

 

Things can happen that quickly change what we value most!

 

I have four values for each person attending Victory Church:

 

1. Once we are back to normal, attend services regularly. We all need the connection with each other. Invite your friends!
2. Get into a Small Group and get to know people!
3. Go through Growth Track. It’s a new DNA we have for Victory.
4. Get out of self-centeredness. Live to help others; join the Dream Team.

 

Introduction

 

We are undergoing some HUGE changes worldwide. Here is some perspective:

 

The world as we know it is entering a new period of time called the Day of the Lord. 

 

The Bible speaks of the Day of the Lord judgments in both Old and New Testaments. It’s a time when God begins to judge the rebellion and sin of Satan and those who work with him, and when God reclaims the earth for Himself. 

 

The Day of the Lord spoken of in the Bible is not a 24-hour day, but a period of time when the wrath of God begins to manifest against all rebellion to His will.

 

We have been living in the age of grace, the church age, for 2000 years now. This age of grace, when we preach the grace of God, is coming to a close. And a new age is dawning. And as the old 70’s  song says, it’s not The Age of Aquarius; it’s a time period of divine judgment.

 

I want you to think about something. Think about what it must have been like for the people living in the 1st century. The Jews were living under the Mosaic law and under the Old Covenant. They were to obey the Ten Commandments. 

 

Then, Jesus is born. He preaches a gospel of Good News to the sinner. He makes salvation available to all, Jews and Gentiles alike. 

 

He dies. He rises from death. The church age begins!

 

Do you think that suddenly all of the Jews changed their ways? Do you think they instantly stopped their religious thinking about animal sacrifices and strict obedience to the law? Think again!

 

It took several years, decades, for the religious world and the world at large to understand and embrace Christianity and the New Covenant! It was not an easy shift. Go read the book of Acts. Go read the book of Galatians!

 

In a similar way, we are leaving the age of grace and are now at the beginning stages of an age of divine judgment. And it seems that the process of change is being speeded up by Almighty God!

 

The time of Jesus’ return will be a messy age!

 

Jesus said the gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come! (See Matthew 24.) 

 

The gospel of the Kingdom is a gospel that Jesus saves from sin if you repent and trust in Him. But it goes further and includes with it that Jesus is returning. And as He returns, there will be a time of judgment on earth!

 

Right now, we are at the close of the Grace Age and we are entering the Judgment Age just before the return of Christ!

 

Listen to the writer of Hebrews as he contrasts the giving of the law to Moses by God on Mount Sinai to the Second Coming of Christ:

 

Hebrews 12:18-29 – TPT

For we are not coming, as Moses did, to a physical mountain with its burning fire, thick clouds of darkness and gloom, and with a raging whirlwind. 19 We are not those who are being warned by the jarring blast of a trumpet and the thundering voice; the fearful voice that they begged to be silenced. 20 They couldn’t handle God’s command that said, “If so much as an animal approaches the mountain it is to be stoned to death!” 21 The astounding phenomena Moses witnessed caused him to shudder with fear and he could only say, “I am trembling in terror!” 22 By contrast, we have already come near to God in a totally different realm, the Zion-realm, for we have entered the city of the Living God, which is the New Jerusalem in heaven! We have joined the festal gathering of myriads of angels in their joyous celebration!

23 And as members of the church of the Firstborn all our names have been legally registered as citizens of heaven! And we have come before God who judges all, and who lives among the spirits of the righteous who have been made perfect in his eyes! 24 And we have come to Jesus who established a new covenant with his blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat; blood that continues to speak from heaven, “forgiveness,” a better message than Abel’s blood that cries from the earth, “justice.” 25 Make very sure that you never refuse to listen to God when he speaks! For the God who spoke on earth from Sinai is the same God who now speaks from heaven. Those who heard him speak his living Word on earth found nowhere to hide, so what chance is there for us to escape if we turn our backs on God and refuse to hear his warnings as he speaks from heaven? 26 The earth was rocked at the sound of his voice from the mountain, but now he has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world, but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!” 27 Now this phrase “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old order, so only what is unshakeable will remain. 28 Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakeable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. 29 For our God is a holy, devouring fire!

 

We are entering the time of judgment. Instability will be all around.

 

It is time to get serious about your walk with God.

 

The scriptures are clear that Jesus WILL return to earth one day. 

 

The verbiage of scripture is such that each generation has lived in the expectation of His return.

 

We could easily be living in the years just before the rapture of the church and the 2nd coming of Christ.

 

Acts 1:6-11 – HCSB

So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. 10 While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.”

 

John 14:1-3 – HCSB

Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.

 

Matthew 24:35-44 – HCSB

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. 36 Now concerning that day and hour no one knows—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son — except the Father only. 37 As the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be. 38 For in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah boarded the ark. 39 They didn’t know until the flood came and swept them all away. So this is the way the coming of the Son of Man will be: 40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and one left. 42 Therefore be alert, since you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this: If the homeowner had known what time the thief was coming, he would have stayed alert and not let his house be broken into. 44 This is why you also must be ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

 

Five Things You Can Do to “Get Your Ducks in a Row” in Preparation for Jesus’ Return:

 

1. Live like you will meet God tomorrow.

 

How would you live if it were your last day on earth?

Don’t do anything that you would not do if it were your last day on earth.

 

2 Corinthians 5:10 – NLT

For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.

 

2 Corinthians 5:10 – AMPL

For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing].

 

 

Romans 14:10-12 – NLT

So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For the Scriptures say, “As surely as I live, says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” 12 Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. 

 

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 – AMPL

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is [already] laid, which is Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 12 But if anyone builds upon the Foundation, whether it be with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done. 14 If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward. 15 But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through fire.

 

Will what you’re doing endure the flames of inspection?

 

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 – NKJV

For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

2. Clean up the sin in your life!

Psalms 66:18 (Passion Translation)

Yet if I had closed my eyes to my sin,

the Lord God would have closed his ears to my prayer.

 

John 9:31 (NLT)

We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.

 

2 Corinthians 7:1 – NKJV

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

 

2 Corinthians 7:1 – NLT

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.

 

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 – NLT

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 15 What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 16 And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 17 Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. 18 And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

 

1 John 1:8-10 – NKJV

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

 

1 John 2:1-2 – NLT

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. 2 He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.

Ask God to help you in the areas where you are weak. He will! 

 

You break a habit by replacing it.  3 step process:

1. Catch yourself after the fact. Repent
2. Catch yourself while doing it. Repent.
3. Catch yourself before you start it. Repent.

3. Choose faith over circumstances every day.

 

Faith is a shield. Commit everything to God the moment it arises.

 

Ephesians 6:16 (NLT) 

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

 

You are either going to respond in faith or in fear. Choose faith.

 

2 Corinthians 4:18 – NLT

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

 

2 Corinthians 5:7

For we walk by faith, not by sight.

 

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 NCV

Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.

 

Mark 11:22-24 – NKJV

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

 

Hebrews 11:6 – NKJV

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

4. Make a daily choice to love people.

 

Tough times tend to bring out the stinker in us all!

 

Really it is a day to put myself last, and put others first in every situation.

 

The true test of spirituality is the ability to love others when things aren’t going your way.

 

Matthew 24:10-13 – NKJV

And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

 

Matthew 24:10-13 – AMPL

And then many will be offended and repelled and will begin to distrust and desert [Him Whom they ought to trust and obey] and will stumble and fall away and betray one another and pursue one another with hatred. 11 And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. 12 And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity, 13 But he who endures to the end will be saved.

 

 

Matthew 24:12 – MSG

For many others, the overwhelming spread of evil will do them in—nothing left of their love but a mound of ashes.

 

Matthew 24:12 – TPT

There will be such an increase of sin and lawlessness that those whose hearts once burned with passion for God and others will grow cold.

 

John 13:34-35 – NLT

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

 

Matthew 5:44 – NKJV

You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

5. Make prayer a priority.

 

Work on it, and put it first.

 

Prayer is hard work. It’s not always fun. You are talking to a person you can’t see!!

 

1. First thing you do each day
2. Regularity
3. Feelings come and go
4. Expect answers

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 – NLT

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

 

Luke 11:9-10 – NLT

And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

 

James 5:16 – AMPL

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

 

Ephesians 6:18 – AMPL

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).

Action Points:

1. Live like you will meet God tomorrow.
2. Clean up the sin in your life!
3. Choose faith over circumstances every day.
4. Make a daily choice to love people.
5. Make prayer a priority.

 

Live everyday as if it were your last. 

 

You can’t change yesterday. But you can choose today.