Closer To Heaven
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SOUTH COTABATO, PHILIPPINES — A multicab carrying more than 20 people, most of them Seventh-day Adventist Church members returning from an outreach program, plunged into a ravine in Upper Sepaka shortly after noon, killing two people and injuring 10 others. According to a Facebook post by the Rescuer News South Cotabato, the crash occurred in […] Source: https://atoday.org/two-killed-as-multicab-carrying-sda-outreach-participants-plunges-into-ravine/
THE CORINTHIAN LETTERS with Pastor Mark Finley
Lesson 8: The Power of Christ’s Resurrection
Christ’s Resurrection as the Foundation of Our HopeLesson 8 places the resurrection of Christ at the very heart of the gospel. Paul shows that Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection are not secondary points of faith but the foundation of our salvation. Without the resurrection, preaching would be empty, faith would be useless, and the hope of eternal life would be destroyed. But because Christ has risen, believers can also look forward to their future resurrection. The resurrection shows that death does not have the final word and that Christ is the Victor over sin, death, and corruption. This lesson invites us to live courageously, faithfully, and hopefully in the light of the risen Lord.
8.1 Proclaiming the Resurrection of Christ
The Resurrection as the Heart of the GospelPaul makes it clear that Christ’s resurrection is not a secondary theme of faith but belongs at the very center of the gospel. Christ died, was buried, and rose again on the third day, exactly as the Scriptures testify. The proclamation of the apostles was not based on ideas or feelings but on the historical testimony of many eyewitnesses. Those who believe in Christ therefore do not place their trust in a legend but in God’s saving action in history. Preaching and faith belong together: the gospel is proclaimed so that people may believe, and faith holds firmly to the truth that has been proclaimed. The resurrection gives us the assurance that Jesus truly is the Son of God and that our salvation is secure in Him.
8.2 The Risen Christ, Our Only Hope!
Without the Resurrection, No Forgiveness, No Hope, and No Eternal LifePaul shows with great clarity that the Christian faith would be empty and meaningless without the resurrection of Christ. If Christ had not risen, then the apostolic proclamation would be false, faith would be useless, and sin would not yet have been defeated. The resurrection is therefore not merely a comforting thought but proof that Jesus’ sacrifice was accepted and that our redemption is truly secure. It also gives hope for those who have died, because death does not have the final word. For this very reason, 1 Corinthians 15 does not fit the idea that the dead are already permanently in heaven or hell; Paul assumes that their hope is directed toward the future resurrection. Christ lives—and because He lives, we too have forgiveness, hope, and the assurance of eternal life.
8.3 Christ, the Firstfruits
Christ Lives—Therefore His People Will Live TooPaul calls Christ the “firstfruits” because His resurrection is the beginning and guarantee of the coming resurrection of all believers. Just as the first fruits of a harvest announce the full harvest to come, Jesus’ resurrection points forward to the future resurrection of those who belong to Him. Without this hope, baptism, suffering, sacrifice, and faithfulness in service would ultimately be meaningless. But because Christ lives, our faith is not in vain and our future is not uncertain. Death does not have the final word, for at the return of Jesus those who have died in Christ will rise again. This assurance gives us courage to remain faithful today and to direct our whole lives toward God’s kingdom.
8.4 The Resurrected Body
Transformed for Glory: Our Hope of a New BodyPaul explains that the resurrection of the body is a miracle of God, much like new life emerging from a seed. Our present bodies are perishable, weak, and marked by sickness, pain, and death. But at the resurrection, God will give His children imperishable, powerful, and glorified bodies. These bodies will not be immaterial or unreal but genuine bodies renewed by God and suited for the new world. This hope helps us view our present weakness and physical limitations in the light of the coming restoration. Because Christ has risen, we can know that God will not merely comfort our souls but redeem our whole being.
8.5 Final Victory Over Death
Christ Defeats Death and Gives Imperishable LifePaul shows that our present perishable bodies must be transformed in order to inherit the kingdom of God. At Christ’s return, the dead in Christ will rise, and the living will be changed. Then God’s promise will be fulfilled: Death has been swallowed up in victory. For believers, death therefore does not mean a final end but a sleep until the day of resurrection. This hope takes away death’s ultimate terror because Christ has already defeated it through His resurrection. Therefore, even in suffering, old age, sickness, and loss, we can hold firmly to this truth: the final victory belongs to Jesus.
8.6 Summary
Christ Lives—Therefore Our Hope Remains UnshakableLesson 8 shows that the resurrection of Christ is the heart of the gospel. Paul makes it clear: if Christ had not risen, preaching, faith, forgiveness, and hope would all be empty. But Christ has risen and is therefore the “firstfruits” of those who will rise at His return. Our perishable bodies will also be transformed into imperishable, glorified bodies. Death therefore does not have the final word but will ultimately be defeated through Christ. This hope gives us courage, faithfulness, and confidence until Jesus returns.
Legendary motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” #helpothers #helpinghands #encouragement #motivational #getwhatyougive Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JNkeWKa3UV8
I remember when I got old enough to go to the adult Sabbath School class in my home church. It was a sort of rite of passage: to get to discuss faith with adults. When they asked me to teach the class, I always looked for open-ended questions that people would have to think about, […] Source: https://atoday.org/editorial-once-right-always-right/
Bible verse of the day: "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry." — Psalm 34:15 (NIV) Welcome to our Daily Prayer Meeting!
This is a safe space where you are seen, heard, and prayed for. Start your day in God's presence—every day at 8AM ET, we share a short devotional from God's Word and lift your prayer requests to Him. You're not alone! Our prayer team is here to intercede with you and for you. Whether you need prayer, celebrate a breakthrough, or start your day with Jesus, you're in the right place. Share your prayer requests or testimonies of praise here: https://wkf.ms/3DBuapQ Engage with us in the comments:
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Share this video with someone who needs hope or tag a loved one who needs encouragement today. Today’s Message: Pr Philip Wesley II The Seventh-day Adventist Church has been an established denomination since 1863. It is a global Christian family with over 21 million members who hold the Bible as the ultimate authority. We are believers committed to helping people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus. Want to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church?
Visit our website at: https://www.adventist.org/ Find us on social media by following the links below:
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Watch our full playlist of daily prayer videos here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-k2Gb-DBYo–V8axD7iFUL6TFEckrhxv&si=vIljgfwrSZN6iJR2 God First, Daily Prayer, Prayer Meeting, Christian Prayer, Morning Devotional, Hope In Jesus, Bible Verse Of The Day, Prayer Request, Faith Community, Seventh-day Adventist Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BC13fC_kGc
Watch it again! From Pain to Promise – S2025-20 For 17 years, Karla cared for children no one else would take. But when she found a young girl near death—and later agreed to take that girl’s unborn, drug-exposed baby— God began writing a miracle. This is a story of courageous love, relentless prayer, and a Saviour who specializes in impossible beginnings and rewriting a child’s future. #miracles #godsgrace #personalstory #motivation #godslove Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GctbSNxfy2A
WHEN THE WORLD IS APPROACHING ITS END
Hope, Watchfulness, and Faithfulness in Matthew 24–25
Introduction to the Sermon SeriesOur world seems to be slipping more and more rapidly out of the familiar order we once knew. Wars shake entire regions, political and social tensions are increasing, natural disasters fill people with fear, religious deception is spreading, and many are asking how much longer these developments can continue. Certainties that seemed unshakable for decades are beginning to crumble. At the same time, a deep longing for direction, peace, and hope is growing in many hearts.
Jesus’ disciples once stood before a structure that seemed indestructible to them. The temple in Jerusalem was not merely a religious building. It was the visible center of their faith, a symbol of their history, and an expression of national hope. But Jesus said:
“Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
Matthew 24:2
These words must have deeply shaken the disciples. If even the temple was going to fall—what could possibly remain?
Later, they came to Jesus on the Mount of Olives and asked Him the question that has occupied countless people ever since:
“Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
Matthew 24:3
Jesus’ answer forms the content of Matthew 24 and 25. It is far more than a list of future events. Jesus not only describes what will happen before His return. He also shows how His followers are to live during that time.
More Than a List of SignsWhen Matthew 24 is discussed, attention often turns first to wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and persecution. These signs are indeed part of Jesus’ prophetic discourse:
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”
Matthew 24:6–7
Yet remarkably, Jesus does not begin His answer with wars or catastrophes. His first warning is:
“Watch out that no one deceives you.”
Matthew 24:4
The greatest danger of the last days, therefore, is not only what happens to the world. It is also that people may be spiritually deceived and lose their connection with Christ.
Jesus speaks of false christs, false prophets, and great signs and wonders:
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
Matthew 24:24
Therefore, it is not enough simply to be religious. We need a firm foundation in the Word of God and a living, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah points to the standard by which every religious claim must be tested:
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”
Isaiah 8:20
The apostle John also urges us:
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1
Jesus’ prophetic discourse, therefore, is not intended to satisfy our curiosity, but to sharpen our spiritual discernment.
The Decisive Crisis Takes Place in the HeartIn Matthew 24, Jesus does not merely describe a world that is being shaken outwardly. He also speaks of an inner crisis:
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 24:12–13
Increasing lawlessness affects the hearts of people. Distrust, indifference, selfishness, and lovelessness do not only penetrate society; they can also enter the church and our personal life of faith.
A person can speak about the return of Jesus and yet lose love. A person can know prophetic timelines and at the same time become indifferent to the suffering of others. A person can defend correct doctrines and yet have a hard and unforgiving heart.
That is why Jesus connects prophetic understanding with spiritual faithfulness. Revelation describes God’s people in the last days with these words:
“Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.”
Revelation 14:12
God’s people are not characterized merely by correctly interpreting certain events. They hold fast to God’s commandments, live by the faith of Jesus, and remain faithful even under pressure.
Therefore, this sermon series will not only ask:
How near is the end?
Above all, it will ask:
What is the condition of our hearts as the end draws nearer?
The End Time Is Also a Time of MissionBetween the warnings about deception, persecution, and love growing cold stands a tremendous promise:
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
Matthew 24:14
Jesus did not commission His church to withdraw fearfully from the world. Especially in a time of uncertainty, it is to proclaim the gospel of the kingdom. The last days are not only a time of crisis, but also a time of worldwide mission.
In Revelation, John sees an angel flying in the midst of heaven:
“Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people.”
Revelation 14:6
The church does not wait passively for the coming of its Lord. It carries the good news of God’s grace, His judgment, His truth, and His coming kingdom into the world.
Jesus said:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Matthew 5:14
The darker the world becomes, the more brightly the light of Christ should shine through the lives of His followers.
The Goal of Prophecy Is a PersonAt the center of Matthew 24 is not fear of wars, catastrophes, or the final crisis. At the center stands Jesus Christ.
He is the Son of Man who will return:
“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.”
Matthew 24:30
His return will not be a secret, invisible, or merely regional event. Jesus compares it to lightning that lights up the entire sky:
“For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
Matthew 24:27
He will send out His angels, the trumpet of God will sound, and the redeemed will be gathered:
“And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”
Matthew 24:31
The apostle Paul describes the same moment:
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16–17
This is the great hope of the church. History is not moving aimlessly toward catastrophe. It is moving toward the return of Jesus.
We are not merely waiting for an event.
We are waiting for our Lord.
Matthew 24 and 25 Belong TogetherMatthew 24 must not be separated from Matthew 25. In both chapters Jesus is delivering the same prophetic discourse. Chapter 25 does not begin a new subject; it continues Jesus’ answer.
In Matthew 24, Jesus describes the signs, the crises, the deceptions, and His return. At the end of the chapter, He calls His disciples:
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Matthew 24:44
But what does it mean to be ready?
Jesus answers that question in Matthew 25 through three great parables.
The Ten VirginsThe parable of the ten virgins shows that spiritual preparation cannot be borrowed from another person. All ten have lamps. All are waiting for the bridegroom. All become tired and fall asleep. But only five have enough oil.
When the cry is heard at midnight, the difference becomes visible:
“Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!”
Matthew 25:6
The decisive question is:
Do I possess only the outward form of faith, or does the Holy Spirit truly live in my heart?
The Entrusted TalentsThe parable of the talents shows that waiting does not mean inactivity. The master entrusts possessions to his servants and expects them to work with what they have received.
To the faithful servant he says:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Matthew 25:21
Here the decisive question is:
What am I doing with the time, abilities, resources, and opportunities God has entrusted to me?
The Sheep and the GoatsThe third picture shows the Son of Man seated on the throne of His glory. People are judged according to how their relationship with Christ was revealed in the way they treated those in need.
The King says:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
The question is:
Has my expectation of Christ’s return become visible in active love?
Jesus thus shows three inseparable characteristics of true readiness:
Watchfulness Is More Than Paying AttentionJesus repeatedly says:
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Matthew 24:42
Biblical watchfulness does not mean immediately attaching a prophetic interpretation to every headline. Nor does it mean living constantly in fear or calculating dates for Christ’s return.
Jesus made it unmistakably clear:
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
Matthew 24:36
Watchfulness means living with Jesus today. It means not minimizing sin, not postponing reconciliation, not practicing faith merely outwardly, and faithfully fulfilling the task God has given us.
Paul writes:
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6
And Peter urges the church:
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
1 Peter 4:7
True watchfulness does not lead to sensationalism, but to prayer, sobriety, sanctification, love, and service.
Not a Message of Fear, but of HopeMatthew 24 and 25 contain serious warnings. Jesus does not hide persecution, deception, tribulation, or judgment. But His intention is not to paralyze His disciples.
He says:
“See to it that you are not alarmed.”
Matthew 24:6
Our hope is not based on the idea that the world will continually become better. It is based on the fact that Jesus is coming again.
Before His ascension, He promised:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1–3
This promise is the light that shines over the entire sermon series.
At the end there will not be war, sickness, and death.
At the end stands the kingdom of God.
At the end stands a renewed creation.
At the end stands eternal fellowship with Christ.
John was permitted to see this goal in advance:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
And the One seated on the throne says:
“Behold, I am making everything new!”
Revelation 21:5
The Goal of This Sermon SeriesThis sermon series seeks to help us:
It is not only about knowing more about the end times.
It is about living with Jesus in the end times.
It is not only about recognizing the signs.
It is about knowing the Lord of the signs.
It is not only about asking when Jesus will come.
It is about whether we are ready to meet Him.
A Personal InvitationPerhaps you have heard the message about the return of Jesus many times. Perhaps you know the prophetic interpretations and can list many signs. But this sermon series invites all of us to read Matthew 24 and 25 as though we were hearing the words of Jesus for the very first time.
What does Jesus want to say to me?
Where am I in danger of being deceived?
Has my love become stronger—or has it grown cold?
Am I living in a daily relationship with the Holy Spirit?
How am I using the gifts God has entrusted to me?
Do I recognize Jesus in the person who needs my help?
And am I ready when the cry is heard:
“Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!”
Matthew 25:6
The Lord does not call us to fear the end. He calls us to trust Him, remain watchful, serve faithfully, and place our hope in His return.
Therefore, we want to listen together to the words of Jesus. We do not want to observe prophecy from a safe distance, but allow it to speak personally to us and transform us.
For the King is coming.
And His final question to us will not merely be how much we knew about His coming. What will matter is whether we knew Him, trusted Him, served Him, and passed on His love.
Key Thought of the Sermon SeriesThe signs show us that Jesus is near. The parables show us whether we are ready.
Key Text of the Sermon Series“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Matthew 24:44
PrayerDear Father in heaven,
We thank You that You have not left us in ignorance and darkness. Through Your Son Jesus Christ, You have shown us where the history of this world is heading. You have warned us about deception, called us to watchfulness, and at the same time given us a wonderful hope.
Keep us from looking at the signs of the times merely with curiosity. Let Your prophetic Word reach our hearts and transform our lives. Give us spiritual discernment so that we may recognize truth and error. Help us not to be afraid even in difficult times, but to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus.
Do not let our love grow cold. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Give us oil for our lamps, faithfulness in our service, and love for the people You place in our path.
Help us to share the gospel of Your kingdom courageously and lovingly. Make us people who do not merely speak about the Second Coming, but who live every day in expectation of it.
Prepare our hearts for the moment when the heavens will open and Jesus will appear in power and great glory. On that day, let us lift up our heads with joy and be able to say:
“Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25:9
Keep us watchful, faithful, and full of hope until Jesus comes.
In the name of Jesus.
Amen.
Invitation to the Sermon SeriesOur world is changing. Certainties are beginning to shake, crises are increasing, and many people are asking:
Where is our history heading?
Jesus did not leave these questions unanswered. In Matthew 24 and 25, He speaks about the destruction of Jerusalem, the signs of the times, spiritual deception, persecution, the worldwide proclamation of the gospel, and His visible return. But He does not only show us what will happen; He also shows us how we are to live until then.
What does it mean to be watchful? How can we recognize deception? What causes love to grow cold? What does the oil in the lamps symbolize? How should we use the gifts entrusted to us? And how can it be seen that we are truly waiting for Jesus?
We warmly invite you to our new sermon series:
WHEN THE WORLD IS APPROACHING ITS END Hope, Watchfulness, and Faithfulness in Matthew 24–25Together, we will listen to the prophetic words of Jesus, examine the signs in the light of the Bible, and discover what genuine preparation for His return really means.
This series does not seek to spread fear or stir up prophetic sensationalism. It seeks to direct our eyes to Jesus—the Lord of history, who leads His church through every upheaval and who has promised:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:3
Come with us on this journey through two of the most significant prophetic chapters of the Bible. Bring your questions, open your heart to God’s Word, and allow yourself to be called anew to watchfulness, faithfulness, and hope.
For the signs show us that Jesus is near. The parables show us whether we are ready.
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Matthew 24:44
🕊️ Nessuno vorrebbe attraversare una stanza d'ospedale, una diagnosi difficile o una notte senza risposte. Il Salmo 91 parla della protezione di Dio, ma non come una promessa che ci risparmia da ogni sofferenza. È la certezza che, anche nei momenti più difficili, non siamo soli e possiamo trovare una presenza a cui aggrapparci. 🤍 Source: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A3rEamPGpgQ
WHEN THE WORLD IS APPROACHING ITS END
Hope, Watchfulness, and Faithfulness in Matthew 24–25The world is changing. Crises are increasing, certainties are beginning to shake, and many people are asking themselves: What lies ahead of us?
Jesus did not leave His disciples in uncertainty. In Matthew 24–25, He speaks about the signs of the times, coming deceptions, the final crisis, and His glorious return. Yet His message is not a call to fear—it is a call to hope, watchfulness, and faithfulness.
What do Jesus’ prophetic words mean for our time? How can we recognize deception, be spiritually prepared, and remain firm in faith even under pressure?
Discover a sermon series filled with biblical guidance, prophetic clarity, and living hope.
Every Sabbath – Saturday at 09:00 a.m. Stay watchful. Remain faithful. Hold fast to Jesus. For the coming King is already at the door.
Intercer is a website with biblical materials in Romanian, English, Hungarian and other languages. We want to bring the light from God's Word to peoples homes. Intercer provides quality Christian resources...[Read More]
