Glory Days

Haggai 2:1-9 – People often view the future as bleak if they perceive the past as ideal. If we only focus on what God did previously, we will miss the glory days that He desires to bring now.

How to Live in the End Times

1 Peter 4:7-11 – None of us know when Jesus will return, but we know the time is approaching. As it draws near, discover the proactive priorities Christians should keep.

There’s No Timeout in Heaven

According to the Scriptures, there’s no timeout in heaven. If you have a relationship with Jesus, your punishment has already been taken care of.

Jesus Is Coming — Look Busy

If you are convinced that Jesus will return, are you busy with the matters He left you on earth to accomplish? The timing of His second coming may come as a surprise but its certainty should not.

How Will Jesus Return?

If you believe Jesus died, rose, and ascended like the Bible predicted, have you paid attention to what it says about His return? Jesus is coming back, and you will know it when He does.

Stay Ready

We don’t know when Jesus will return, but that doesn’t deny the certainty of it happening. To make the most of our lives, we must stay ready.

Re-Creation

The last book of the Bible prepares the Church for our final and eternal reality. The end is nearing, the victory is coming, and our Savior is returning.

What Will the Return of Christ Be Like?

Christians believe Christ will return but disagree on how His return will progress. An understanding of the coming millennium is essential to how someone will interpret this concept. 

Be Ready When It’s Time to Go

Matthew 25:1-13 – In The Parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus warned disciples to prepare for His return. While we know neither the day nor the hour, we can guarantee that He will come again to gather those who belong to Him.

The End

In the last few pages of the Bible, God delivers a dazzling picture of what is to come. Despite the coming or current conflict, we can look at what God has promised and trust that his plan will come to pass. The conclusion will be a good one.

The Revelation

As persecution increased among the early followers of Jesus, God sought to encourage them through the words of the apostles. In addition to encouraging epistles, God gave a revelation to the Apostle John that showed what was to come.

When Jesus Comes Back

1 Thessalonians 5:1-8 – While we don’t know exactly when Jesus will return, we are confident that He will. The reality of Jesus’ second coming helps keep us in the light amid all the darkness of this world.

We Grieve with Hope

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – As we deal with the pain of losing others to death, our mourning should be different from that of the world. While we grieve, we must always maintain hope because we know the promises of God.

What We Know for Sure About the End

While we may be uncertain regarding the timing of the end, God is clear regarding the testing leading up to that end. Daniel’s final vision provides a vague progression of events accompanied by a clear expectation for His followers.

When the Future Seems Unclear

In Daniel’s concern about the future, the angel Gabriel provided a needed amount of clarity yet permitted some level of confusion. While the details may be debated, the vision is clear – Christ is coming at an appointed time for a specific outcome.

Make Way for the Coming King

Daniel’s frightening vision of future kings alarmed him until he beheld the coming King who would reign forever. Amid polarizing politicians and combative kingdoms, our great hope is in the true King who is on His way.

Awaiting God’s Arrival

When God arrives, everything changes in a moment. For the people of the world, His coming promises judgment, but for the people of the Word, His coming guarantees joy. Malachi 4:1-6 4  “For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, …

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No One Has Jesus’ Return Date on the Calendar

People have attempted to predict the end times, but Jesus assured that no one will know the precise time. While we don’t have the exact details of Christ’s return, we can hold the certain reality of His return by faith. Mark 13:24-37 24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give …

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It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

Providing the people with signs of the times, Jesus prepared them for coming persecution. Jesus taught on the coming end times, not to increase our anxiety in the future, but to increase our activity in the present. Mark 13:1-23 13 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and …

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Is There Marriage in Heaven?

People wanted to know what Jesus believed about the status of marriage in heaven. Jesus emphasized that what we receive in heaven will be greater than what we take with us to heaven. Mark 12:18-27 18 And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him a question, saying,19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if …

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Seeking Heaven While Still on Earth

Colossians 3:1-11 Seeking Heaven While Still on Earth While the place of heaven is our destination, the way of heaven should be our pursuit.  As disciples, we are to put to death the deeds of this world and to put on the new self as we seek the things above. After Paul addresses the Colossians’ doctrinal integrity (1-2), he instructs their …

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When We All Get to Heaven

I love studying the stories behind hymns. The story behind “When We All Get to Heaven” gave even more depth to the text. Eliza Hewitt was born on June 28, 1851 in Philadelphia.  Her exemplary grades gave her the opportunity to teach school.  After a few years, her life was changed by a normal day on the playground with her …

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Good Grief

I had the privilege of worship with North Side at 9:30 and preaching at First Mount Moriah at 11:00!  Great to be able to celebrate what God is doing in both congregations. At Mt. Moriah, they had a Family Day and I got the honor to preach from Joshua 24.  Love Pastor Bryant Sims and Youth Pastor Zack Little and …

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No Washing Dishes in Heaven

After swim lessons tonight, the boys loaded up in the truck to head home. Reviewing the day, we discussed swimming, funerals, and eternity. Speaking concerning the gloriousness of heaven, I tried to engage their minds with the greatest thoughts possible. Eli said, “If heaven is that great, does that mean we won’t have to do dishes there?” “Well, that’s not …

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Our Returning King

Today was our 3rd and final week in the “Jesus Saves” series as we focused on “Our Returning King.”  In Matthew 24, Jesus himself assures us of His return and tells us what to expect before he comes, when he comes, and after he comes. We went with a band of solely men today.  Jeff walked in the auditorium during …

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The Promise of His Return

Today was a busy and yet great day.  I actually had the privilege to be ministering in one way or the other in 3 different ways today.  Love seeing what God is doing in lives around me. North Side I didn’t get to be at North Side this morning, but I put a lot of Bible study, prayer, and preparation …

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The Edgefield Earthquake and the End of Times

Friday night, Amanda and I were finishing up for the night when our house began to shake significantly.  When any type of strange phenomena happens, Amanda repeatedly yells, “Trav?  Trav?  Trav!”  This time was no different.  With fear in her eyes, she began yelling my name and jumped out of her chair and said, “Trav, what is that?” The primary …

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Does “Love Win?”

Rob Bell started a firestorm last year when he questioned the reality of hell.  MSNBC host Martin Bashir questioned him keenly on his claims.  Another theology think point for this week:

The Wrath of God

 

Continuing in our study through the Book of John, “Knowing Jesus,” we talked today about the wrath of God and reality of hell.

Throughout the whole service, we dealt with the topic head on.  Jeff’s sermon was right on.  True and compassionate.

Rick also shared some details concerning our Project Love Christmas bash.  Here’s how you can get involved.

Today, we worshiped to:

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Anticipating the Arrival


There’s nothing like going home to me.  I wish you could follow along with me my drive up the driveway after work every day.  The excitement is at different levels at different days, but normally I walk into 3 people jumping around and cheering like I am the best person in the world.  No matter how hard the day had been, this hysteria at 5:10 makes all things right in the world.

The other day, as I noticed Obadiah and Eli’s faces pressed against the window, banging on it with their hands, I thought they had gotten taller.  Turns out, they had climbed up on the window sill anticipating my arrival.  I don’t know why Eli was still peering out the window when I was standing behind him, but regardless, it was a special moment as they climbed up eager to see my truck arrive in the driveway (even if they did disobey by climbing up there).

The reason they get that excited is due to their perception of the person they are anticipating.  I don’t think I’m that spectacular, but in this season of life, they do.  And they show me in how they eagerly wait and celebrate my arrival.

The problem is that we aren’t that eager concerning Jesus’ return.

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It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

Today, we concluded the End of the World series.  I woke up at 1 AM this morning not feeling quite right.  I got sick around 7AM, thought I was OK, went to the church, realized I was not OK, and told Amanda that she had to take it and run. The church worshiped to: My Savior’s Love – Chris Tomlin …

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It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Scared)

Very thankful to be able to worship with North Side today.  God knew my weekend activities when I planned this service weeks ago, so I am so glad the ladies led in worship today.  They did fantastic!  Great voices, but great hearts that always lead people to the throne. Today, the ladies led us with these songs in worship: Sing …

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It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Confused)

In the second week of this new series, today’s services were about “It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Confused).”  This day was to help all of us who feel like we can’t figure out the details of Christ’s return. Today, we worshiped to (links send you to iTunes): Forever – Chris Tomlin Marvelous …

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It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Apathetic)

Today, we kicked off the new series, “It’s the End of the World As We Know It.”  The services today addressed those of us who feel apathetic about the Second Coming. If we are so concerned with life today, it will be difficult for us to live with the end in mind. We must live life understanding that this ain’t …

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I Liked Eschatology Before Eschatology Was Cool

es·cha·tol·o·gy (ěs’kə-tŏl’ə-jē)   n. The branch of theology that is concerned with the end of the world or of humankind. A belief or a doctrine concerning the ultimate or final things, such as death, the destiny of humanity, the Second Coming, or the Last Judgment. That’s right – I liked eschatology before eschatology was cool.  Eschatology is the study of …

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Upcoming Sermon Series

The “You Asked for It” series has been unbelievable this summer.  Many churches talk about a loss of corporate momentum through a summer slump as attendance varies from week to week, and people’s interest just seems to wane.  Having our church members submit their questions through the blog and be answered from the pulpit has definitely kept people perked up. …

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It’s the End of the World as We Know It, and I Feel…

Many people talk today about the end of the world.  Due to global occurrences, wars, financial trauma, elected leaders, and many other phenomenon, many people think the end is near. Well one thing is certain: the end is closer than it was yesterday. The band REM came out with a song in the 1980s that was called, “It’s the End of …

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