507 - What Do I Do When _______ ? (fill in the blanks)

Leaving Laodicea

How Do We Navigate These Uncharted Waters?

Or, to ask the question another way, what are we to do when we see (you fill in the blanks) just over the horizon? What are we to do next?

And the answer is quite simple: We are to do the same things we should be doing even if things are smooth sailing without a cloud in the sky. We all have a mandate from the Lord, and we need to concentrate on being faithful to Him, no matter the circumstances. But, as an encouragement, let me share four unchanging truths that should help us navigate these uncharted waters?

One, recognize the times in which we live and don’t be surprised by them. After all, Christ warned us about these times and told us in advance they would happen.

The Situation: But know (ginṓskō) this, that (when) in the last days perilous (chalepós – troublesome, grievous, difficult to deal with, violent, fierce, hard to bear) times will come: (described as) For men will be lovers of themselves (narcissistic), lovers of money, boasters (self-exalting), proud (arrogant), blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers (false accuser), without self-control (unrestrained by convention or morality), brutal (savage, wild and menacing, fierce), despisers of good (characterized by hatred or an absence of love for all things good), traitors (one who violates or betrays an allegiance or trust), headstrong (defiant, rash, thoughtless, reckless), haughty (to swell or inflate with pride), lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form (impression, shape, appearance) of godliness but denying (to refuse to recognize or acknowledge) its power (dúnamis).

Our Response: And from such people turn away (to deliberately avoid, shun)! – 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

Two, make sure you are truly saved.

… having a form (impression, shape, appearance) of godliness but denying (to refuse to recognize or acknowledge) its power (dúnamis).

Three, focus on the reality of your true citizenship, which is in heaven with God, and not on earth. This world is not our home (Colossians 3:1-4).

Four, be ready for the Shout!

For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words – 1 Thessalonians 4:14-15.

In this message, we are going to review some encouraging truths that should help us prepare for whatever the Lord allows to come our way. So join us as we learn how to leave Laodicea behind.

To download the slides for this message, click – HERE

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