Five Things We Will Learn
- The Bible calls believers to live with fearless confidence in the face of end-time chaos, focusing on eternal redemption rather than temporary fears.
- True salvation produces radical life change; a lack of transformation raises serious questions about genuine faith.
- Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom—only those who do the Father’s will.
- The church in Laodicea represents a dangerous lukewarm state that disgusts God and leads to being spit out of His mouth.
- Jesus stands at the door and knocks, offering true relationship, repentance, and transformation to those who hear and respond.
Living Fearlessly in Uncertain Times
Man, every time I hang out with Ray, I like him more. You know how some people, as you get to know them, it’s different—but not with him. Every time we talk, I just love this guy.
It’s been a crazy week—absolutely crazy. You can never get used to how life changes in one second. Whether it’s a fertilizer plant explosion in Texas, a marathon bombing, or a massive earthquake in China, everything can shift instantly. We think next week will be normal, but we know better. The world, especially our country, has more desperate, hopeless people willing to do something stupid. I’m not trying to be alarmist, but as believers, we shouldn’t stick our heads in the sand pretending everything’s fine—the economy will bounce, everyone will love Jesus. Let’s be real.
Yet the Bible says we’re not supposed to fear it. Jesus addresses this in Luke 21, speaking about the end times and how chaotic the world will become. In verse 26, He says people will faint from fear and foreboding about what’s coming. They’ll be so terrified they’ll pass out. But then He says, “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28, NIV). People will be stressed and terrified, but not you. Straighten up. Lift your heads. Your redemption is near.
Even if the economy collapses, we’re content. We can live with little, finding joy in relationships with each other and God. Our quality of life might even improve. We know the secret of contentment. If we live, it’s Christ; if we die, it’s gain. No matter what happens, lift your heads—you know how the story ends.
This perspective makes us a light to the world. We focus on eternity. There’s nothing to fear. It reminds me of the TV show 24, with Jack Bauer racing to save the world. It was intense—terrorists kidnap the Secretary of Defense and his daughter, streaming threats. Jack finds them alone, goes in against impossible odds. My heart pounded watching, until I remembered it was only season two. He had seasons left. Suddenly, the tension eased. I knew he’d be fine.
That’s how we’re supposed to live. We know there’s a season three—season three million. Things will get intense, but ultimately, it’s okay. There’s coming a day with no more death, no more sickness, no more worry. We’ll walk with our Creator forever, the One who sent His Son to die for us. Things happen in this life, but we know how it ends. We straighten up and live differently—with an eternal perspective.
What Really Matters in Light of Eternity
When I see how quickly life changes, I ask: What really matters? In high school, when I became a Christian, I started viewing everything differently. Life could end tomorrow. My parents died by the time I was 12, so I knew tomorrow wasn’t guaranteed. I focused on eternity. That’s why I entered ministry—to tell people about what happens after this life. Nothing else seemed to matter. Our life is a vapor.
It’s not alarmist; it’s freeing. It’s not a big deal in light of forever. Shouldn’t we focus on eternal things?
But as I studied Scripture and taught people, something shifted. I became equally concerned for those attending church every Sunday as for those rejecting Jesus outright. Salvation is through Him alone—His work on the cross. Nothing we do earns it. We trust fully in Jesus, who paid for our sins.
Yet Scripture shows that true trust in Jesus radically changes a life. You’re dead, then alive. God dwells in you. Paul told the Thessalonians he knew their election because of how they turned from idols to God—their lives showed it. A good tree produces good fruit.
I grew concerned seeing churchgoers whose lives showed little change. The world rightly criticizes when there’s no difference. Then Matthew 7 terrified me. Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21, NIV). On judgment day, many will say, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, cast out demons, perform miracles?” He’ll reply, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
People will think they’re going to heaven—singing songs, doing works—yet Jesus says, “I never knew you.” This isn’t for me to judge others; it’s a deep concern: Do you know Him? Scripture describes the Holy Spirit bringing intimacy—your spirit cries “Abba, Father.” Do you have that relationship? Do you see fruit—new joy, peace, fearlessness? Or is it just church attendance?
The Danger of the Broad Road and Lukewarm Faith
We often feel safe in the majority. But Jesus says in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
The broad, easy road leads to destruction—yet it’s marked “heaven.” Everyone assumes they’re going there. Memorials say everyone goes to a better place. But Jesus says few find the narrow road to life.
When has the majority been right in Scripture? Rarely. Popular paths make me nervous. The right thing is seldom popular.
Jesus’ letters in Revelation 2-3 are personal. Imagine Bayside receiving one from Jesus—what He likes, what He doesn’t. Some churches He praised for holding fast amid fakeness. Others, like Sardis, He urged: “Strengthen what remains and is about to die” (Revelation 3:2). That phrase has echoed in my heart—areas of my life slipping, yet fire remains. God says: Strengthen it. Don’t let it die.
Laodicea feels American. Jesus says, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16, NIV).
Lukewarm disgusts God—He gags on it. They say, “I’m rich; I need nothing,” yet they’re wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, naked. He counsels buying refined gold, white garments, eye salve—to be truly rich, clothed, seeing.
He loves them, so He disciplines: “Be zealous and repent.” When someone grasps the kingdom’s value, they joyfully sell everything for the treasure. Lukewarm isn’t Christian—there’s no such thing. Jesus doesn’t spit believers out.
He stands at the door and knocks: “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20, NIV). The one who conquers sits with Him on His throne.
This isn’t earning—it’s heart change. Jesus knocks for real relationship, not religion or works. He wants love: “Abba, Father.” Earth offers nothing compared to Him.
He Who Has Ears, Let Him Hear
Jesus ends: “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:22, NIV). Not everyone hears. Some dismiss it.
God places us purposefully (Acts 17) so we might seek and find Him. Some here may realize: I’ve gone to church, but I’m not in love with Jesus. I’ve held onto things. But today, I hear. If Jesus died for me, I want to repent, follow Him, have Him enter my life.
Peter said, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38, NIV). This promise is for you, your children, and all far off.
If that’s you—no more games, ready for peace—tell someone today. Let’s pray.
God, draw people to You. Show Your beauty. Help them see nothing else matters. Not adding You to their life, but seeing You’re better than everything.
Some, pray now: “God, I want You. I’ve sinned against You. I believe Jesus died for me. Come in. Change everything. I don’t want sin. I want relationship with You.”
Father, let people fall in love with You today—for eternity.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.