SCRIPTURE: Luke 21:25-36 (ESV)
DATE: 12-3-17
It’s good to be with all of you at Gateway Church this weekend. And one thing I want you to know — no matter if it’s your first time with us or if you’re worshiping at our North Main campus — I want you to know that God loves you and I love you too.
SERIES INTRODUCTION
And since we’re beginning a brand new teaching series, let me lay out what’s going to happen over the next few weeks. As you know, the title of this series is “Christmas Party,” so as we head towards Christmas, we’re going to do so through the lens of a party.
So today — for instance — we’re going to look at signs that tell us when a party is about to begin. What are the clues — in the Bible — that tell us when the party of all parties is about to begin? That’s what we’re looking at today.
Next week, we’re going to look at directions to the party. A party isn’t any fun if you can’t find your way there and through Scripture we’ll find the directions to the party of all parties.
In week three of this series, we’re going to see who’s the life of the party. Every party has that one person who grabs the crowd’s attention. And in our Christmas Party there’s a Person who’s the center of attention. He’s the life of the party.
And finally, we’ll end this series on Christmas Eve weekend by looking at what every good party needs…a party song. There’s nothing like great music to amp up a party. And our Christmas Party has got a great party song that we’ll look at in a few weeks.
Signs that the party is about to begin. Directions to the party. The life of the party. And the party song.
RE-ANNOUNCE AND READ TEXT:
So that’s where we’re headed. And if you have a Bible, please turn with me to Luke chapter twenty-one. We’re going to begin in verse twenty-five of Luke chapter twenty-one to begin our Christmas Party series.
And while you’re finding Luke chapter twenty-one, if you’re a guest with us, something we like to do at Gateway is hear from you. So if you have a question during the sermon, you can text your question to the number on the bulletin or you can submit it on the Gateway app.
And by now I hope you’ve found Luke chapter twenty-one. Let’s begin in verse twenty-five.
“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
And skip with me to verse thirty-four, where we read…
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:25-28, 34-36 ESV)
TEXT SETTING
Signs that the party is about to begin, but not the party you thought we were going to talk about. Because it’s Christmastime — you were probably thinking we’d be talking about the party that happened when Jesus was born and all of the signs that indicated He was coming to Earth.
If you’re familiar with the Christmas story, you probably remember some of the signs that let people know a party was about to begin. Signs like the angels who came and spoke to Mary, Joseph, and Zechariah — or the army of angels who show up and let some shepherds know that something wonderful was taking place — a party had begun.
But in the Christmas story — the most familiar sign is the star of Bethlehem.
The wisemen from the east came searching for the baby Jesus — and how did they find Him? By following a star in the sky — a sign that a party had begun. They came bringing gifts, because that’s what you do at a party. Birthday parties, Christmas parties, graduation parties…you bring gifts.
When Jesus was born there were signs all around letting people know that a party had begun. A Christmas party. A world changing party. A party that’s still going on today.
One thing to remember — though — is that nearly everyone missed the signs. Most people were unprepared. They didn’t see the signs for what they were.
Do you remember what happened when the wise men showed up to ask king Herod where the new King of the Jews had been born? Herod was oblivious. Not one of his advisors had a clue as to what was happening right under their noses. They were caught off guard when the wise men show up. So they quickly checked their records — their Bibles — and told the wise men where to go — go to Bethlehem — that’s where the Messiah was to be born.
But for those who were paying attention — for those who were on guard — for those who were ready and watching for the signs — they saw that a party had begun. For the King of the Jews had been born. God’s Rescuer had come. What the prophets had foretold hundreds — and even thousands of years earlier — was taking place right before their eyes. But only for those who were ready, paying attention, not so caught up in trivial affairs that they missed the signs that a party had begun.
But that’s not the party we’re looking at today.
We’re going to begin our Christmas Party series — not by looking at the birth of Jesus — but by looking at His Second Coming — His return to earth.
When Jesus was born in a manger two thousand years ago — He started the party of our reconciliation with God. When Jesus came to Earth — the first time — He came to make it possible for men and women to be made right with God — that’s what reconciliation means.
But when Jesus comes back to Earth the second time — as promised throughout the Bible — well, that’s when the real party begins. For it’s during His Second Coming that all things are made new, death is vanquished, cancer and all diseases are destroyed, and there will be no more tears of pain and sorrow. And that’s marvelous news — that’s great news. That’s a reason to par-tay.
And our text in Luke shows us the signs we should be watching for so we know when the party — the capital “P” Party — is about to begin. Because we don’t want to miss the signs that the party of all parties is about to begin. The party that starts when Christ returns.
Now let me say something right up front to let you in on why we’re looking at Christ’s return instead of His birth.
Just about every Christmas season a worry rises in our country about people not saying Merry Christmas. Just last week, an older gentlemen in Panera stopped to talk to our family and then he ended the conversation by saying “Happy Holidays.” He then corrected himself and said, “No. I meant to say Merry Christmas.” It’s as if the words Merry Christmas offend some folks and the words Happy Holidays offend others. Man are we an easily offendable people.
You may remember the Christmas when there was a tizzy over Starbucks’ holiday cups — oh wait — that happens every year. Well one year the controversy was that Starbucks had a plain red cup during the holidays. Apparently not having “Merry Christmas” printed on the cup is some deep-seated conspiracy against the Christian faith by the powers that be at Starbucks.
Just this past week, the Courier had a cartoon poking fun at the whole annual Starbucks brouhaha.
But despite our Starbucks concerns, most people in our country are pretty OK with the Christmas story. They still watch Charlie Brown’s Christmas special. Nativity scenes are still in people’s yards. Churches haven’t been banned from having Christmas Eve services. And Christmas — in our country — is still the most likely time when someone will take you up on your invitation to join them at church — hint, hint.
So all in all, the story of Jesus coming to Earth the first time is pretty palatable — it’s well accepted by the people you and I know. Even if they don’t believe it’s all true — it’s still a nice story.
But when we start talking about Jesus’ Second Coming — His return to Earth — it’s amazing how quickly attitudes change. You see — a baby in a manger isn’t that offensive — but a Warrior King returning to judge every person based solely on whether or not they’ve submitted their lives completely to Him — well — that’s about as offensive as you can get in our country. Mainly because we’ve got some serious authority issues.
But knowing that the most important event before all of us is the day when we will stand before a Warrior King — not a baby in a manger, but a Warrior — I want to make sure I’ve done everything I can to prepare you — so you’re invited and welcomed into THE party. The party that will begin when Christ returns.
So let’s look at the signs that the party is about to begin. Look with me again…
MAIN POINT 1
In Luke chapter twenty-one — beginning in verse twenty-five — where Jesus says, “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28 ESV)
Now there’s a danger here that we can easily fall prey to. And that’s the temptation to try and figure out exactly how all of these signs are going to be fulfilled. Christians have sometimes gotten silly by trying to predict the fulfillment of certain signs that we read about in the Bible.
Now I don’t want to make light of the stuff happening with the sun and the moon and the stars. Or with the seas and the heavens shaking. Or even with the people who will be in a deep seated state of fear. I’m not trying to make light of that stuff — but honestly — there’s not much I can say with much certainty when it comes to those things.
Stuff happens all of the time that could be — or might be or who knows if they are — some of these signs, but there’s one distinct sign that’s not up for debate. It’ll be unquestionable when it happens. I’m talking about when Jesus Christ — the Son of Man — is seen coming back to Earth.
In the book of Acts, Jesus tells His disciples that they have a mission and that mission is to take the Good News about Him — His life, His death, His resurrection, and His guaranteed return to Earth — to all people — including our sons and daughters here in the US and people who’ve never heard of Jesus in foreign nations.
And after giving His disciples this global mission we read, “…he (Jesus) was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them (these were angels). 11“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:9-11 NLT)
And how did they see Jesus go to Heaven? He was taken up into a cloud. And in our passage of Luke, how does Jesus return back to Earth? The same way He left the Earth. He comes in a cloud with power and with great glory. He’s no longer a baby in a manger — He’s a Conquering Warrior — an All-Powerful Glorious King who’s returning to claim His property — all of Creation.
And how does Jesus tell His followers to respond to these signs? If Jesus returns in our lifetime, what’s our response supposed to be? Are we to cower in fear? No. That’s what the world — people who don’t follow Jesus — that’s what they will do.
Are we to dread what’s about to come on the world? No. Again, that’s what people who don’t follow Jesus will do.
For the follower of Christ, these signs — that tell us the party of all parties is about to begin — should stir in us a different response. For we see in verse twenty-eight that we’re to straighten up. We’re to raise our heads. We’re to gaze at the heavens where the Son of Man is returning from — and why? Why this response for the followers of Jesus?
Jesus tells us why. Because these signs tell His followers that their day of redemption is at hand. The day of being set free from this broken world is upon them. The day of freedom from depression and anxiety — an aging body and the pain that comes with it — the day of freedom you’ve been longing for has arrived. No more captivity to Satan, no more chains of sin, no more destruction by disease, and most glorious of all — no more death.
The day of Christ’s return is a day of great hope for the Christian even though it will be a day of great fear for all who do not believe in Christ. It’s a day of hope because — the One in whom you’ve placed your hope, trust, and faith in — has returned to start the greatest party in all of eternity. The party of redemption. The party where captives are set free from the prison they’ve been confined to — this broken, dark, and depressing world.
But until this day comes — the day of Christ’s return — until this day comes don’t be surprised dear Christian — if there are times in life when you feel like you’re a prisoner of war. But know this — have confidence in this — the war is coming to an end. And if your faith is in Christ, you’re on the Victor’s side.
But know this — have confidence in this. If you haven’t put your faith in Christ — if you haven’t submitted yourself to Him — and I say this because I love you — know that this broken, dark, and depressing world is the closest you will ever get to experiencing the eternal party of Heaven.
And that’s the reason why people are comfortable with a baby in a manger, but not when that baby returns as the Conquering King during His Second Coming. Because when Jesus returns — for many — maybe even for you — the party will be over.
Now Jesus apparently knew that His followers would be eager for His return. In fact, back in the Act’s passage we read earlier — it appears that the disciples thought Jesus was just going to go up to Heaven and then come right back down again. That’s why they had to be told to stop staring into the sky. It was time to get to work.
And for the follower of Jesus — until His return — until we see the signs that tell us the party is about to begin — we’re told what we’re supposed to do in the meantime. We’re told to get to work. We’re told what the life looks like for the person who’ll be invited to the eternal party in Heaven — the life of a follower of Christ.
So as I read these next verses — ask yourself — is this what my life looks like? Do these verses describe me?
Let’s continue in verse thirty-four.
MAIN POINT 2
In verse thirty-four Jesus tells us to…“Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation (think “wildness, or self-indulgence, or depravity.” Jesus goes on to say don’t be weighed down with things like) drunkenness and cares of this life, and (have) that day come upon you (in what way? Jesus says make sure you don’t get caught up in the concerns of the world and have the day of His return come upon you…) suddenly like a trap. 35 For it (the day of Christ’s return) will come upon (how many people on the Earth? Who will experience this day? The day will come upon…) all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 (So Jesus tells His followers that we are to …) stay awake at all times, (and while we’re alert and paying attention to what’s happening in the world, we’re to be…) praying (for)…strength (why? We don’t live wildly or get caught up with the cares of the world, but pay attention and pray for strength so we…) escape all these things that are going to take place, and (we pray so when the Day comes upon us we will be able to…) stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 ESV)
An observation and then two things we see that we’re to do in these verses.
First, the observation. This day — a day that will bring great fear to those who don’t believe in Christ — the people who are not prepared for His return — in fact — in the original language — this day is described as the day when those who don’t believe in Jesus will reach their expiration date. How about that for a vivid picture of what this day will be for those who don’t submit their lives to Christ?
But did you see how this day is an all encompassing day? In verse thirty-five we see that this day is going to come upon every person on the Earth. There are no free passes. There are no get out of jail cards once this day has come. Everyone alive on the planet — and every person who has ever lived — will experience this day.
I say this to highlight the importance of the soul of every person you meet. Because every person you meet will face Christ when He returns. And on that day they will either be welcomed into Jesus’ eternal party or they will reach their expiration date.
Oh they’ll have their own eternity, but it will not be a party. And this is why the follower of Christ can’t become indifferent to the mission Jesus has given those who believe in Him. We can’t ignore the people who live here in Findlay or those who live in Pakistan or North Korea.
The decision on which people matter to God isn’t ours to make. And the decision as to which people we’re responsible to reach isn’t ours to make either. We’ve been given everything we need to reach all people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. And the only reason why there are people who’ve yet to hear the Good News of the gospel is because we followers of Christ have not fully committed ourselves to doing what Jesus has told us to do.
We’re to go and share the gospel with all people, so more and more people might respond to the invitation to Jesus’ eternal party. And this is why we emphasizing “going” here at Gateway Church.
That’s the observation, now the two action steps.
These verses describe a few things about the life of a follower of Christ. And what we see is that all followers of Jesus are to be prepared and praying for His return. All followers of Jesus are to be prepared and praying for His return.
We’re to be prepared. In verse thirty-four we’re warned of things that will keep our eyes off the prize — things that will distract us from seeing the signs — things that will render us ineffective followers of Christ — things that will make us indifferent towards His mission.
For some of us, the cares of this life will rob us of our faith in Christ.
It’s possible for someone to believe everything about the Christian faith and Jesus to be true — and yet — not be invited to His eternal party because — as Jesus said in illustrating this truth, “The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, 19 but all too quickly the message (of God’s Word) is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.” (Mark 4:18-19 NLT)
The worries of this life — the cares of this life, as Jesus says in our Luke passage — will make God’s Word ineffective in your life.
You see, either the worries of this life crowd out God’s Word in your heart or God’s Word crowds out the worries of this life in your heart. And when God’s Word gets pushed to the side by other things — no matter what they may be — the result — Jesus says — is fruitlessness. Meaning the seed of God’s Word has been planted in the soil of your heart, but it’s failed to produce a crop. No life has sprung from it. Your heart is nothing more than a garden full of seed killing soil.
And for the person who focuses on the cares of this life — the seed of God’s Word — produces no fruit. There’s no crop. There’s no life.
So we’re to be prepared. We’re to crowd out the worries of the world with God’s Word as we read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, apply it, and hear it preached. Then — and only then — will God’s Word crowd out the worries of life.
And we’re to pray. We see in verse thirty-six that we are to pray. We’re to pray that we would escape the judgment that’s coming when Christ returns and pray that we would be able to stand before Jesus.
Now one error we could make here is to think that our effort is what will make us prevail when Christ returns. But — let’s face it — none of us put forth a good enough effort. And if you think you do — you’re wrong.
Jesus’ standard is pretty high. How high? Perfection. OK. So you’re either perfect or not putting forth a good enough effort.
Which leads to the other error we can make. Which is to think that our effort doesn’t matter at all — I mean — nobody’s perfect, right?
So what are we to do?
The apostle Paul wrote some helpful words. He told the Christians in Philippi to…“Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:12b-13 NLT)
So which is it Paul? Are we to work hard or is God working in us? And Paul says “Yes! It’s both!”
So how’s it both preacher man? I have no idea — it’s a wonderful mystery. All I do know is that when we work hard, it’s because God is working in us. And if God is working in us — then we work hard.
Yet we justify lazy Christianity by saying things like, “Well if God wanted me to change He would make it happen.” And we justify self-sufficient Christianity by saying things like, “God helps those who help themselves.” And neither of those statements are in the Bible, by the way.
Because lazy Christianity and self-sufficient Christianity are both not really Christianity to begin with. Growing in the Christian faith — maturing in the Christian faith — is a beautiful mystery where we and God work together.
So two things we’re to do until Jesus returns. We’re to pray and prepare so our lives produce fruit that prove we’re a true follower of Christ. Fruit that’s produced as we work hard as God works in us. Fruit that’s found only in the lives of those who’ve truly believed in Christ. Fruit that’s found only in people who’ve received an invitation to Jesus’s eternal party. Those who’ll escape the coming judgment and who will be able to stand before Christ when He returns.
SERMON CONCLUSION
So my question for you is simple: What will your response be to the signs when they tell you the party is about to begin? No one knows the day when Christ will return. People have made predictions — none of them have been right — Jesus did say the day would come “suddenly like a trap.” But the day is coming.
But are you preparing yourself for that day? Actively preparing yourself for Christ’s return. Is their evidence in your life — what Jesus calls fruit — is their evidence that shows the hard work you’re doing for God and demonstrates the work He’s doing in you? Or is your life fruitless — all play and no work — caught up in the worries of this life?
And I know — cause I hear it all the time — you’re real busy. I get that. But know that although you may be working really hard — you may not be working for God — and that’s the problem. You’re working hard for all the wrong reasons. And although God desires to work in you — you’re not giving Him the opportunity because you’ve crowded Him out of your life.
Are you preparing yourself for the day of Christ’s return?
And are you praying? Praying that you will escape the day of judgment. Praying that you’ll be able to stand before Christ — not based on anything you’ve done — but standing in the strength and power that He’s provided to you.
Because one day — one glorious and magnificent day for some — one terrifying and disastrous day for others — one day the party of all parties will begin. And there will be signs in the heavens, and on Earth, and in the oceans. And all people will see Jesus — the Son of Man — return as the Warrior King.
Once a babe in a manger — now a Mighty Warrior who will stir fear in the hearts of those who’ve rejected Him — now a Conquering King who will stir great joy in the hearts of those who’ve put their faith in Him — those who believe that the baby has always been the Conquering King. He may not’ve looked it the first time He came — but it will be unmistakably clear when He returns.
And that young baby grew into a man. And though His appearance was not stunning — He is the definition of beauty. And on the cross — as He suffered and appeared powerless — all power was in His hands. And though sinless — He died on behalf of sinners — paying the price for our sins — so we might be invited to His party — His eternal party.
What’s your response to His invitation? Once the signs appear — it will be too late to respond. For the day will come “suddenly like a trap.” The time to prepare yourself is now. The time to respond to Jesus’ invitation to His eternal party is now.
Let’s pray.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for inviting all of us to Your eternal party, but we must respond Your invitation. May many respond to your invitation today. And help us, Father, to be a people who take this Good News to all people — that Your Party — the party of all parties — is about to begin. May we tell our sons and daughters here in the US and may we take this Good News to people on the other side of the world who’ve never heard of the name of Your Son. Stir in our hearts a desire to people of all nations respond to Your invitation.
And may we examine our hearts as to whether Your Word is crowding out the worries of life or if the worries of life are crowding out Your Word. Most of all, help us to be prepared for the great day that is before us — the day when Jesus returns.
It’s in His name we pray. Amen.