Sermon Notes for 2012/8/5 Mark 13:14-27
Be Alert

A. What we need to know about the end of the world

1) The end has already started (28, 29)
"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. (28,29)


2) Heaven and earth will pass away, but the word of the Lord will not (30, 31)
I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (30,31)


3) God has chosen not to reveal the details of when the world will end (32, 33)

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert [33] ! You do not know when that time will come. (32,33)

B. How we should prepare for the end of the world

1) We need to be alert and faithfully fulfill the roles that God has given us (34-36)
It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. "Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. (34-36)

2) We need to encourage others to be alert as well (37)

What I say to you, I say to everyone: `Watch!'" (37)


Summary

If the Gospels were a record of Jesus' life and work, the ook of Acts is a record of the work of God's Holy Spirit. It is certainly about the work of the apostles, but the true protagonist is the Holy Spirit. With the guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit, people were given the ability to start the Church. This led to the gospel being preached all over the world. We also need to be filled with the Holy Spirit and do God's work wherever we are called to go.

For Discussion
1) Why is the Book of Acts a record of the work of the Holy Spirit?
2) What is our hope and expectation as we walk with the Spirit?

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