“Everything You Needed to Know About the End Times…In 30 Minutes or Less”
For Neighborhood Groups meeting after Pastor Thompson’s message on September 25, 2011
Warm-Up Question:
Justin Bieber is the current teenage heartthrob. He has six million Twitter followers, with 24,000
new followers a day. Last year, he made $53 million. Who was the big idol when you were a teen?
Application Questions:
Facilitators: We’ve restructured your questions to give more variety and follow-up ideas. Feel free to choose the ones you
would most like to discuss.
1. We all seem to have a fascination with knowing the future. Why do you think that is?
2. Read Matthew 24:26. a. According to Jesus, when will the end come?
b. The only date we have is a “BLIND DATE” with God. Has anyone ever been on a blind date? How did you
prepare for it? How did you feel prior to meeting this person?
c. How does God want us to prepare for our “blind date” with Him?
3. May 21st 2011—does anyone remember what was supposed to happen on this date?
(Answer: Harold Camping predicted the rapture would take place) a. Mr. Camping ended up being wrong, but did you notice how everyone was talking about Christianity? b. Perhaps a neighbor may have asked you what you thought was going to happen. How did you respond?
4. October 31st 2011—does anyone know what Harold Camping has predicted on this day? (Answer: The end of the world)
a. Back in May, Camping predicted the Rapture, yet the majority of people thought that meant the end of
the world. What is the rapture? (Facilitators: See 1 Cor. 15: 50-57; 1 Thess. 4:13-18 if group is having
difficulty)
b. How is the rapture different from the end of the world?
5. Your WIN/SEND Events should be finalized on paper. What loose ends need to be tied up?
6. Homework: In addition to your WIN/SEND events, challenge your group to write down the
names of their immediate neighbors to the right and to the left. Talk about how you can pray
for opportunities to interact and build friendships with them as you create a new sense of
community in your neighborhood.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE END TIMES....IN 30 MINUTES OR LESSPastor Larry ThompsonMatthew 24:36 • September 25, 2011
We know what the Mayans and other prognosticators say about the end of time. But what does the Bible say? After all, that’s how it ends!
1. Everybody wants a _______________________.
2. The flyover of God’s timeline.
First Baptist Fort Lauderdale • 301 East Broward • Fort Lauderdale 33301 • 954-527-6800 • www.FBCWorshipGuide.com Access a tablet-ready PDF version of these Message Notes on Facebook or by signing up for the FBC Insider e-newsletter
2 0 1 2We were warned.
• Our primary focus over the next five weeks is our Neighborhood Groups season. This week’s topic about the Bible and the end times will be especially talk-worthy, so why not try one this week? We have Neighborhood Groups almost every night of the week in locations across South Florida. Go by the Neighborhoods Bar in the main lobby to find a location.
• The Student Ministry will host a Blitz Event on Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Velocity Center. The Champions for Christ karate team will perform a unique drama incorporating amazing karate skills, special effects, rockin’ music and lots of action. Wax on, wax off!
• The next FX Family Experience is next Saturday, Oct. 1, at our FirstWest location. If you live west of the Florida Turnpike, this part of our Neighborhoods strategy brings the FX event closer to you so you can invite families in your own neighborhood for an FBC experience. We’ll also have FX on our main campus for east siders and everyone else on Oct. 2, at 10:15 a.m. between the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. service. FX is designed for elementary kids and parents to experience God together, with fun games, fast dances, great music and a Biblical lesson.
• With Neighborhood Groups, Pageant rehearsals and everything else, the autumn is getting busy. But if you need a midweek refresher on Wednesdays, Pastor Thompson has a few more weeks for his Politics and the Bible course before our November break. Wednesdays at 6:30 (and Fuel for students and childcare for children.)
• Last Sunday, we received $75,471 toward our weekly budget of $69,645. We were $5,826 over. We’re still recovering from a difficult summer, so thank you for your faithfulness. We’ve recalibrated the overall 2011-12 budget to reflect current economic realities.
Explore today’s message in a casual, friendly Neighborhood Group near your home.Sign up at www.FBCNeighborhoods.com, or go by the Neighborhood Bar in the lobby.
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Introduction: In my first message in this series I explained why 2012 is a date that many in our world think we are facing either the end of times as we know it on earth or some galactic catastrophic event as a result of an ancient Mayan calendar that shows that time on earth as we know it ends December 21, 2012 at 11:11 a.m. The second message we looked at the Islamic eschatology as it relates to a Biblical view and realized that everything God has promised, Satan counterfeits. Over the past month I have had many emails and letters asking for a chronological biblical overview of the end times. Today’s I will provide what I call a “flyover” and highlight the major biblical events in the end times. II.. EEVVEERRYYBBOODDYY WWAANNTTSS AA DDAATTEE
Predicting the end of the world and the events that our faith say will occur is a game that has been played by theologians, scholars, educators and certified nuts through the ages. Just so you know, the 2012 prediction for the end times is just one of hundreds that have been forecast through the years. The latest “dater” was Harold Camping, 89 year old author and radio personality and one of the nuts. Camping said that the rapture of the church will definitely take place on May 21st of this year with the end of the world following on October 21st. Of course, this was after Camping had
previously predicting, incorrectly, the rapture was going to take place in May of 1994. He quickly recalculated after the ’94 date passed and came up with May 21, 2011. He solicited over $100 million and spent just $13 million on billboards and other advertising.
When I pastored in Merritt Island there was a NASA scientist, Edgar Whisenant, that wrote a book based on his computer calculations, “88 Reasons Why Jesus will return on September 11, 1988.” It was a best seller until September 12, 1988…then they had to give away his books. He revised his calculations to 1998. He is now retired from NASA and predictions.
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In a study of the “daters” we realize that there have been over 200 recorded predictions that captured world‐wide attention.
The earliest recorded prediction was 2800 B.C. – An Assyrian clay tablet which stated, “Our earth is degenerate in these latter days. There are signs this world is speedily coming to an end.”
The first Christian “dater” was Montanus in A.D. 155. This man began preaching that Christ’ return was imminent and encouraged all people to come to Anatolia in central Turkey to wait for His return.
In 1284 we had the first Pope that predicted the return of Christ. Pope Innocent III based his prediction on the birth of the Muslim faith and then added 666 years to that.
February 1, 1524 a group of London astrologers predicted the world would once again be destroyed by flood and Christ would return. 20,000 people abandoned their homes and their property and moved to high ground to escape the water.
In 1648 a Turkish Rabbi Sabbatai Zevi predicted the Messiah would make a miraculous appearance. He also said the Messiah’s name would be Sabbatai Zevi…somewhat self‐serving.
1666 was a HUGE year for predictions based on the “666” mark of the beast. People thought the great fire that destroyed London that year was the start of the end times.
1792 the Shakers predicted the end of the world. 1914 the Jehovah’s Witnesses predicted the end of the world. They have revised their prediction 8 times since there.
1844 a Baptist preacher, William Miller that predicted Jesus would return to New York on Oct. 22, 1844. This became known as “The Great Disappointment.”
March‐May 1997 – The Hale‐Bopp comet was another opportunity to announce the end of times. As the comet would come so close to earth that people would be magnetically pulled off the planet.
So what does the Bible say about the exact time when Christ shall return? Every time we ever teach about prophecy I always get the question, “WHEN?” First listen to the words of Jesus… “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” Matthew 24:36 (NLT) When tempted to try to pick a date just remember… WWEE AARREE LLIIVVIINNGG IINN TTHHEE ““LLAASSTT DDAAYYSS!!””
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Peter reminded us around A.D. 60 that “the end of all things is near.” (1Pet. 4:7) The Old Testament age had ended and the Messiah had come to earth, lived, died on the cross for our sin, was resurrected and ascended to heaven and now people were ready for His return. TTHHEE FFIIRRSSTT CCOOMMIINNGG OOFF CCHHRRIISSTT SSTTAARRTTEEDD TTHHEE CCOOUUNNTTDDOOWWNN TTOOWWAARRDD TTHHEE SSEECCOONNDD CCOOMMIINNGG. The period of time between the first and second coming is considered “the Last Days.” RREEMMEEMMBBEERR,, NNOO PPRROOPPHHEETTIICC EEVVEENNTT NNEEEEDDSS TTOO BBEE FFUULLFFIILLLLEEDD BBEEFFOORREE HHIISS RREETTUURRNN CCOOUULLDD TTAAKKEE PPLLAACCEE.. As we watch our world changing every moment we cannot help but believe that His return is imminent. Our responsibility is to be ready. Dr. Ed Hindson, eschatology scholar and instructor says:
“God’s clock is ticking away. It never speeds up and never slows down…it just keeps on ticking, moving closer and closer to the end of the age. How close we are will only be revealed in time. Don’t gamble with your eternal destiny. Time may very well be running out today.” Ed Hindson
Many people use Matt. 24:32‐34 in reference to end time theology… “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place.” Matthew 24:32‐34 (NLT)
Several scholars tie this verse to the birth of Israel as a nation while making a prediction for the coming of Christ. I personally don’t believe this scripture is connected with the rebirth of the Jewish nation. I believe it was a simple picture to help people everywhere understand the days in which we live. Just as you can tell the seasons by looking at the trees so you will know if you are living during the Tribulation and you are close to the second coming of Christ when you see the signs predicted in Matt. 24:4‐21 begin to take place. Remember, when it comes to eschatology, the end times…THE only date we have is a “BLIND DATE” with God. The Bible NEVER gives a specific date for any future event. God wants us to prepare for that BLIND DATE….it could be today. IIII.. TTHHEE FFLLYYOOVVEERR OOFF GGOODD’’SS TTIIMMEELLIINNEE Dr. Adrian Rogers: “if you want to know what happened yesterday, read a newspaper; if you want to know what happened today, watch the news; if
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you want to know what happens tomorrow, read your Bible.” The bible won’t give us exact dates but it does provide us with a timeline to understand the sequence of the end times. I’ll provide a flyover to give you a general view of a prophetic map or time‐line.
TTHHEE RRAAPPTTUURREE The very next great event on God’s prophetic timeline is what those who study eschatology call, “The Rapture.” It is the sudden and instant removal of every Christian from this earth. Jesus promised this to the disciples in John 14: “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” John 14:1‐3 (NLT) The rapture is referred to several times in the NT but there are two main passages that describe this event in detail. (I Cor. 15:50‐57) “What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. 51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. 54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:50‐57 (NLT) (I Thess. 4:13‐18) “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus
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returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.” 1 Thess. 4:13‐18 (NLT) Christians will play the game, “now you see us…now you don’t.” It will be the single most life changing moment in the world’s history. The rapture will change everything! There will be many who will try to explain away the disappearance of the millions of followers of Christ but you must be honest if you are left behind and tell people you were warned. With all the Christians gone the churches will be left to those who are self‐serving opportunists. Consider the difference between the rapture and the 2012 prediction. One group of people wait for the Person of Jesus Christ to take them into His presence in Heaven and the other group of people are waiting for the destruction of the world. Jose’ Arguelles, a key figure in the 2012 movement is also expecting a mass disappearance. He believes that those who have not evolved enough spiritually will disappear from the earth soon. He says he was warned that many will be suddenly taken away in silver ships. People like this continue to add to the confusion that will pave the way for the TRIBULATION and the world accepting the Anti‐Christ as the world leader. Interestingly, 2012 eschatology reminds us that being left behind is a good thing; you have not only survived the cataclysmic devastation but you are one of the more enlightened people that can help rebuild this world. BBYY CCOONNTTRRAASSTT,, SSCCRRIIPPTTUURREE WWAARRNNSS UUSS TTHHAATT BBEEIINNGG LLEEFFTT BBEEHHIINNDD AATT TTHHEE TTIIMMEE OOFF TTHHEE RRAAPPTTUURREE IISS DDEEVVAASSTTAATTIINNGG……MMEEAANNIINNGG YYOOUU OONNLLYY HHAAVVEE SSEEVVEENN YYEEAARRSS LLEEFFTT OONN TTHHIISS EEAARRTTHH BBEEFFOORREE FFIINNAALL JJUUDDGGMMEENNTT..
TTHHEE TTRRIIBBUULLAATTIIOONN
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The bible does mention the specific time of the tribulation in Dan. 9:24‐27. The Tribulation is often called the “backbone of biblical prophecy.” Background of Daniel 9: Daniel is in Babylon where the Jewish people have been in exile for almost 70 years. Daniel is aware the prophecy will only last 70 years (Dan. 9:1‐2) Now he begins to intercede for Israel and while he is praying God sends His response through the angel Gabriel.(9:21) “As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice.” Daniel 9:21 (NLT) God reveals to Daniel that he is not simply going to deliver Israel from the captivity but shows Daniel the future all the way to the great Tribulation of the earth and ultimate victory of the Messiah. “A period of seventy sets of seven has been decreed for your people and your holy city to finish their rebellion, to put an end to their sin, to atone for their guilt, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to confirm the prophetic vision, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. 25 Now listen and understand! Seven sets of seven plus sixty‐two sets of seven will pass from the time the command is given to rebuild Jerusalem until a ruler—the Anointed One—comes. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with streets and strong defenses, despite the perilous times. 26 “After this period of sixty‐two sets of seven, the Anointed One will be killed, appearing to have accomplished nothing, and a ruler will arise whose armies will destroy the city and the Temple. The end will come with a flood, and war and its miseries are decreed from that time to the very end. 27 The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.” Daniel 9:24‐27 (NLT) When you calculate the entire period involved in this prophecy you realize that the Divine Prophetic Clock started ticking on March 5, 444BC when King Artaxerxes allowed Nehemiah to return and rebuild the city of Jerusalem. In prophecy each week is a period of seven years. Here is what is amazing: Using the Jewish calendar of 360 days a year the
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precise number of days is 173,880 days. That began on March 5, 444B.C. and goes to March 30 A.D. 33 the day that Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey to proclaim the fact that He is the Messiah. MANY SCHOLARS BELIEVE THAT THIS IS THE GREATEST PROPHECY IN THE BIBLE AND GOD REVEALED IT EXACTLY TO BE 173,880 DAYS TO THE EXACT DAY. Following Daniel’s prophecy this leaves on one week; one seven year period left in God’s prophetic clock for our future. The prophecy clock stopped at week 69 and are now living in what we know as “the church age.” The church age ends at the time of the Rapture and God’s prophetic clock, the final seven years begins on the day of the rapture. It is at this point that the Anti‐Christ makes a peace treaty with Israel. This is the seventieth week of Daniel. In the middle of this final week or seven years, the anti‐Christ will break the treaty with the Jews and desecrate the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. This prophecy was shared by Daniel and by Jesus (Matt. 24:15) Anti‐Christ will desecrate the temple and declare himself to be God and people will worship his image (Rev. 13:14‐18) and at the conclusion of the seven year period Christ will return and destroy the Anti‐Christ at what we call “the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.” Overview of the 70 Week Prophecy Daniel 9:24 The entire 70 weeks (490 years) Daniel 9:25 The first 69 weeks (483 years) Daniel 9:26 The time between week 69 and week 70 (church age) Daniel 9:27 Rapture takes place which results in the beginning of the final seven years or “Week 70” which is referred to as the “TRIBULATION.” At the end of this tribulation period we will see the Second Coming of Christ. How does this all relate to the 2012 doomsday prophecy? It is the best evidence that the “end of the world” as we know it will not happen because according to Daniel the second coming of Christ will occur AFTER THE SEVEN YEARS OF TRIBULTION. What may be relevant is the predicted 2012 chaos could be related to the chaos that would be created at the time of the RAPTURE, if every Christian in this world were suddenly taken away.
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TTHHEE CCHHAAOOSS OOFF TTHHEE TTRRIIBBUULLAATTIIOONN It will appear as if the world is coming apart at the seams. Disasters worse than any expert could possibly predict. Jesus discussed the Tribulation Period with His disciples before His crucifixion. In his explanation to the disciples from the Mt. of Olives overlooking Jerusalem Jesus lets His followers know how truly horrific the Tribulation time will be for those who are left on earth. “For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again.” Matthew 24:21 (NLT)
We are talking about PPLLAAGGUUEESS;; FFAAMMIINNEESS;; WWAARRSS;; PPAANNDDEEMMIICC DDIISSEEAASSEE that destroys millions; EEAARRTTHHQQUUAAKKEESS…so horrific that people will pray to die. SSTTAARRSS WWIILLLL FFAALLLL FFRROOMM TTHHEE SSKKIIEESS AANNDD PPLLAANNEETTSS WWIILLLL RRUUNN OOFFFF CCOOUURRSSEE CCRREEAATTIINNGG CCAATTAACCLLYYSSMMIICC CCLLIIMMAATTEE CCHHAANNGGEE WWIIPPIINNGG OOUUTT MMUUCCHH OOFF TTHHEE FFOOOODD SSUUPPPPLLYY WWHHIICCHH CCRREEAATTEESS AA GGRREEAATT FFAAMMIINNEE. Toward the end of the Tribulation EEAARRTTHHQQUUAAKKEESS WWIILLLL LLEEVVEELL GGRREEAATT CCIITTIIEESS AANNDD MMOOUUNNTTAAIINNSS WWIILLLL FFAALLLL IINNTTOO TTHHEE OOCCEEAANN (Rev. 16:8‐9;13‐14;17‐20; Matt. 24:7)
RREEVV.. 66‐‐1199 IISS TTHHEE FFOOCCUUSS OOFF TTHHEE TTRRIIBBUULLAATTIIOONN and gives an overview of the TTHHRREEEE SSEETTSS OOFF SSEEVVEENN JJUUDDGGMMEENNTTSS OONN TTHHEE EEAARRTTHH. SSEEVVEENN SSEEAALL JJUUDDGGMMEENNTTSS –– FFIIRRSSTT HHAALLFF OOFF TTRRIIBBUULLAATTIIOONN SSEEVVEENN TTRRUUMMPPEETT JJUUDDGGMMEENNTTSS –– SSEECCOONNDD HHAALLFF OOFF TTRRIIBBUULLAATTIIOONN SSEEVVEENN BBOOWWLL JJUUDDGGMMEENNTTSS –– IINN TTHHEE LLAASSTT DDAAYYSS OOFF TTHHEE TTRRIIBBUULLAATTIIOONN BBEEFFOORREE CCHHRRIISSTT returns. Jesus said these judgments will be like birth pains which get increasingly more intense and ultimately resulting in great pain. Look online for a more exhaustive description in my sermon notes… NOTE TO TRANSLATORS AND MEDIA TEAM: I will not cover in the sermon the details that are in the blue highlight. The Judgments: Seven Seals: First seal: (Rev. 6:1‐2) white horse: The Anti‐Christ Second seal (Rev. 6:3‐4) red horse: War Third Seal (Rev. 6:5‐6) black horse: Famine
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Fourth Seal (Rev. 6:7‐8) pale horse: Death and Hell Fifth Seal (Rev. 6:9‐11) Martyers in Heaven Sixth Seal (Rev. 6:12‐17) Universal upheaval and devastation Seventh Seal (Rev. 8:1‐2) Seven Trumpets Seven Trumpets: First Trumpet (Rev.8:7) Bloody hail and fire – one third of vegetation destroyed. Second Trumpet (Rev. 8:8‐9) Fire from Heaven – one third of oceans polluted Third Trumpet (Rev. 8:10‐11) Falling star: one third of fresh water polluted Fourth Trumpet (Rev. 8:12) Darkness: One third of sun, moon and stars are darkened Fifth Trumpet (Rev. 9:1‐12) Demonic invasion and torment Sixth Trumpet (Rev.9:13‐21) Demonic army – one third of population killed Seventh Trumpet (Rev. 11:15‐19) The announcement of Christ’s reign Seven Bowls First Bowl (Rev. 16:2) – sores and worshippers of Anti‐Christ Second Bowl (Rev. 16:3) ‐ seas turn to blood Third Bowl (Rev. 16:4‐7) – fresh water turns to blood Fourth Bowl (Rev. 16:8‐9) – intense scorching heat Fifth Bowl (Rev. 16:10‐11) – Darkness & Pain on Anti‐Christ kingdom Sixth Bowl (Rev. 16:12‐16) ‐ ARMAGEDDON Seventh Bowl (Rev. 16:17‐20) Earthquakes and hail One half of the world’s population is destroyed in just 2 of the judgments. Can you imagine living on the earth at this time we call the Tribulation? TTHHEE NNEEWW WWOORRLLDD CCOOMMIINNGG –– TTHHEE BBAATTTTLLEE OOFF AARRMMEEGGGGEEDDOONN AANNDD TTHHEE MMIILLLLEENNNNIIUUMM RREEIIGGNN OOFF CCHHRRIISSTT Like 2012, the Bible also predicts there is a new world coming. But the new world will not come because of some 2012 predictions but because of the second coming of Jesus Christ which will ultimately lead to a 1,000
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year reign of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Here is a list of what TTHHEE BBIIBBLLEE DDEESSCCRRIIBBEESS WWHHAATT TTHHEE NNEEWW WWOORRLLDD WWIILLLL LLOOOOKK LLIIKKEE DDUURRIINNGG TTHHEE MMIILLLLEENNNNIIUUMM RREEIIGGNN OOFF CCHHRRIISSTT..
Peace – Wars will cease Joy – Joy to all the World will be more than a Christmas carol. It will be the song of our society.
Holiness – The word “holy” means set apart for god’s purposes. Glory – The radiant glory of Christ is fully realized. Full knowledge – Absence of illness or deformity – The King of Kings is both a ruler and healer.
Universal Worship of the Lord – Economic Prosperity – The presence of God
Conclusion: SO what does this time line mean for us today? One of my favorite times of the pageant is prior to the curtain rising you can hear the props getting set in place you hear the actors walk onto the stage and take their places, you can hear the orchestra start the overture. You see the lights start to dim before they get brilliant when the stage curtain rises. THERE IS GREAT ANTICIPATION OF WHAT WE ARE GOING TO SEE! We have heard all the signs and recognized the biblical prophecies and realize the curtain is about to rise on a great performance. We are at that place today. It is your opportunity to be prepared. Your ticket for this final event has already been purchased. All you need to do is accept it. One fact about our Christmas pageant that always surprises me is the amazing job Deanna Wielhouwer does in getting tickets out to the individuals and organizations for our benevolent performance and then II AAMM EEQQUUAALLLLYY AAMMAAZZEEDD AATT TTHHEE NNUUMMBBEERR OOFF PPEEOOPPLLEE TTHHAATT DDOO NNOOTT SSHHOOWW UUPP.. They have disregarded an expensive gift, a free gift. Some do the same with the gift of eternal life….a gift that cost Jesus His life. Pray!
PLAN AHEAD FOR SEPTEMBER
301 East Broward Boulevard Pastor Thompson’s messages & more available at www.FirstFortLauderdale.com Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 E-mail us through the Internet site or call the church at 954-527-6800
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NE 1ST STREET
NE 2ND STREET
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DFIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
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CONNECT WITH US: www.PastorTwitter.com Like us on Facebook (or text “fan FBCFL” to 32655) www.FirstFortLauderdale.com
NEW? HERE ARE SOME NEXT STEPS
START WITH STARTING POINT: If you’re new to First Fort Lauderdale and you’d like information about becoming part of our faith community, we encourage you to attend STARTING POINT on Sept. 25. Starting Point is an all-in-one interactive two-hour orientation workshop led by Senior Pastor Larry Thompson. You can participate in Starting Point by signing up at the Neighborhoods Bar, in Guest Services at the Palm Parlor, or online at www.SignUpForStartingPoint.com.
ADDITIONAL NEXT STEPS:FOUNDATIONS You’ve attended Starting Point, so what’s next? This two-session class provides the coordinates to navigate your experience at our church. We’ll meet on the last two Sundays in Septemberat 9 a.m. in the Global Events Center. We’ll equip you with strategic waypoints for your faith. For details or to preregister for the next Foundations course, e-mail [email protected], go by the Neighborhoods Bar or call 954.831.1151.
NEIGHBORHOODSOur NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS are meeting throughout September and October. In a Neighborhood Group, you’ll meet new people, connect with some you already know, serve the community, and discuss the previous Sunday’s message. Groups meet various days of the week, across South Florida. Sign up at the Neighborhoods Bar or at www.FBCNeighborhoods.com.
VOLUNTEERINGThe fourth of four steps in our Next Steps process is VOLUNTEERING. One of the best waysfor you to become involved in our community of faith is to serve in one of several roles.Contact the Connections Office at [email protected] or 954.831.1102.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FBC?
VOLUNTEERINGYou play an essentialpart during our twonew worship options!With our expanded worship options on Sundaymornings! With twice as much activity on our campus,we need to double our volunteer corps. If you’d like tolet us know you’d be willing to serve in one of these ministries,mark the box.
Not sure where and how to serve?Sign up for our Spiritual Gifts Workshop in this first box:
o Network Spiritual Gifts Workshop
Already know? Choose from below: FIRST IMPRESSIONS o Parking o Welcome Team/Greeter o Guest Services o Usher/Worship Host
NEW MEMBERS o Decision Counseling o Baptism
PROGRAMMING o Choir o Vocal Team o Band o Media o Stage Squad o Translations (Language: ______________)
FX Family Experienceon a stage near you
FAMILY MINISTRIES Please mark both an age group and a position
Choose an area: o Preschool (under 5) o Elementary o Middle School o High School Choose a position: o Small Group Leader o Stage Production/Acting/Singing o Media/Technical Support o Greeter/Host o Childcare
Your Name ______________________________________
Address ________________________________________
City ___________________________ Zip ____________
Home Phone _____________ Cell Phone ________________
Email _________________________________________
Which time do you plan to attend for worship? o 9 am o11 am
Neighborhood Group: _______________________________
www.FBCVolunteering.com
The tabloids and talk shows have a lot to say about what will happen when philosophical worlds converge in 2012. As the new year approaches, we’ll hear about Mayan calendars, Nostradamus and the Age of Aquarius. But God’s Word offers accurate and insightful answers to these questions. Be ready for the rumors with an answer straight from the Bible.
Our Neighborhood Groups will also be discussing this topic each week, and it’s not too late for you to get involved. Go by our Neighborhoods Bar in the main lobby and we’ll connect you with a group near your home.
THIS MORNING’S MESSAGE
• Register now for the Oct. 2 Connections Brunch. For only $5, you’ll enjoy a grand buffet valued at more than $20, with carving stations, dessert and more. Access www.ConnectionsBrunch.org.
• Students grades 6-12 meet Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for Fuel, a high-energy worship service and a midweek tank-up. See You at the Pole is Sept. 28. Access www.VSM924.com for more details.
• Our FirstWest experience is open most Saturdays, with free childcare for parents so they can enjoy a date night as a couple or with friends. Call 954-831-1110 for childcare reservations.
• Ready for a balanced perspective on politics and the Bible? Pastor Thompson is leading an engaging study on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Global Events Center.
• Getting married? Be part of our Premarital Workshop on Wednesdays. Call 954-831-1152.
• We’ll focus on our city’s homeless and our partnership with Hope South Florida on Sept. 25. If you’d like to know more about our Faith in Action ministries, connect with director Tisha Hyter.
• Be part of God’s global mission! Next year, we’re planning experiences in Russia, Nicaragua, East Africa and the Middle East. The 2012 schedule is now available at www.GlobalMissions.com.
• With the expansion of our Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, you have more options than ever. Choose from two different times: 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. We also have programs for preschoolers,
2 0 1 2We were warned. FXOur FX Family Experience for kids and their parents is
providing a new way for you to experience energetic worship and family-friendly Biblical teaching. FX is presented once a month in two locations: Sunday mornings between services on our maincampus and Saturday nights at FirstWest (formerlythe West Pod) at Flamingo and Griffin Roads. Every edition of FX features an entertaining castof characters and a free Cue Box so families can continue the experience at home. Access www.FBCFX.com for upcoming times.
As an extension of our 2012 message series, we’ll host anOct. 22 simulcast called “The Gathering Storm,” featuring New York Times best-selling author Joel Rosenberg. Use a QR code reader on your smartphone to access Pastor Thompson’s additional research on the 2012 phenomenon and find out more about the free simulcast.