The King Is Coming Soon – Hope Beyond the End

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August 23 – New Mercies Every Morning: Beginning Again with God Today

Monthly Theme: Sanctification and Character Development – Ready When Jesus Comes
2026 Annual Theme: “Soon the King Will Come – Hope Beyond the End”

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Central Bible Text for Today

“Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
— Lamentations 3:22–23

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Devotional for Today

Every morning is a gift from God. Even before we accomplish anything, before we pray, struggle, or make decisions, God’s mercy meets us. It has not been exhausted by yesterday. It has not diminished because of our failures. It has not been withdrawn because we were weak. God’s mercies are new every morning.

This truth is especially precious on the path of sanctification. Character development does not mean that we never fall, never grow tired, and never need correction. It means that God continually calls us back to Christ. A sanctified life does not grow through pride in our own progress, but through daily dependence on God’s grace.

Sometimes we carry yesterday into the new morning: a thoughtless word, a missed opportunity, an inner defeat, an impatient reaction, or a burden that makes us ashamed. But God does not call us to remain trapped in yesterday. He invites us to come to him anew today—to receive forgiveness anew today, to rise again today, and to continue walking with Christ today.

Being ready when Jesus comes does not mean looking at our own perfection, but trusting in his faithful grace. The coming King does not prepare his people through despair, but through mercy that cleanses and renews the heart. Those who come to Christ every morning will be transformed step by step.

God’s faithfulness is greater than our inconsistency. His patience is deeper than our weakness. His grace is stronger than our guilt. Therefore, we do not need to begin the new day with fear, but with trust: Lord, you are faithful. Your mercies are new today. Shape me on this day as well.

Grace for a New Beginning

God does not give us new mercy so that we may treat sin carelessly, but so that we will not remain trapped in guilt and discouragement. His grace raises us up, cleanses us, and leads us forward. It makes the heart receptive to transformation.

Ellen G. White wrote:

“Consecrate yourself to God in the morning; make this your very first work.”

(Steps to Christ, p. 70)

Every morning can become a new altar of surrender. Not because we are strong, but because God is faithful. Not because yesterday was perfect, but because Christ is near again today.

Mercy Shapes Character

Those who receive God’s mercy daily will themselves become more merciful. A heart that lives by grace becomes less harsh toward others and more honest with itself. It learns to receive forgiveness and pass it on. It learns to rise again after falling and not to give up.

Ellen G. White wrote:

“Only those who are becoming like Christ can stand when He appears.”

(Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 413)

Christlike character does not grow through cold self-improvement, but through a life sustained by his grace. Those who recognize his mercy become humble, grateful, and willing to be transformed by him.

Continuing with Christ Today

Perhaps yesterday was difficult. Perhaps you did not respond as you had hoped. Perhaps you prayed and still struggled. Perhaps you feel spiritually weary. Then this morning is God’s invitation: Come back to me.

God does not expect you to begin the journey again alone. He walks with you. His mercy gives you not only forgiveness, but also strength for the next step. Today you may love again. Today you may pray again. Today you may open God’s Word again. Today you may be faithful again.

The coming King wants to prepare a people who live by his grace—a people who do not give up because God’s mercies are new every morning. Therefore, begin this day with hope. God’s faithfulness is great. Christ is near. And today, too, your character can be shaped by his love.

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Prayer

Dear Father in heaven,

Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.

Help me not to remain trapped in yesterday, but to begin again with Christ today.

Forgive me, cleanse my heart, and give me strength for the next step.

Shape my character through your grace and make me grateful, humble, and faithful.

Prepare me for the return of Jesus by helping me grow in your mercy anew each day.

Amen.

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Thought for the Day

God’s mercy makes every morning a new invitation to continue walking with Christ.

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Personal Application

1. Read Lamentations 3:22–23 and 1 John 1:9.
   Where do you personally need God’s renewed mercy today?
2. Pray: “Lord, thank you for your renewed grace on this day.”
3. Put it into practice: Begin the day intentionally with a brief prayer of surrender, and do not allow guilt or discouragement to continue ruling your heart.

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Closing Verse

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
— 1 John 1:9

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%91%91-the-king-is-coming-soon-08-23-2026-%f0%9f%8c%85-new-mercies-every-morning-beginning-again-with-god-today/

Still awake?

Every evening, one step closer to Jesus.

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August 22

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He Is Greater Than I Am

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Matthew 3:11

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.”
Matthew 3:11

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By now, John had become well known far beyond the wilderness. People from Jerusalem, Judea, and the entire surrounding region came to him, listened to his sermons, confessed their sins, and were baptized in the Jordan. It would have been easy for anyone to be impressed by all this attention. John could have been proud that so many people made the journey into the wilderness because of him. He could have begun enjoying his own importance, building a great movement around himself, or considering himself indispensable.

But John did exactly the opposite. In the middle of his success, he directed attention away from himself and said: “After me comes one who is more powerful than I.” John knew that his ministry was important, but he also knew just as clearly that he was not the center of the story. His task was to prepare the way. The goal was Jesus.

John Knew His Mission

John knew why God had sent him. He was the forerunner of the Messiah, but he was not the Messiah himself. He could make people aware of their guilt and call them to repentance, but he could not take their guilt away. He could baptize them with water in the Jordan, but he could not renew their hearts through his own power. He could point them toward the right path, but Jesus himself was the way.

This is precisely where John’s humility becomes visible. Humility does not mean thinking badly about yourself or belittling your abilities. John did not say: “I am useless and can do nothing.” On the contrary, he preached courageously, faithfully fulfilled his mission, and allowed neither religious leaders nor powerful people to intimidate him. At the same time, he knew that his importance had limits. He was God’s servant, but Jesus was the Lord.

True humility therefore means seeing yourself as God sees you: neither more important nor less valuable than you truly are. John knew his place and did not need to try to take the place that belonged to Jesus.

The Desire to Be the Center of Attention

Our world does not make it easy for us to think this way. So much revolves around being seen. We share our most beautiful pictures, talk about exciting experiences, and post our achievements. We watch how many people react to what we have shared and quickly compare ourselves with others. Perhaps it hurts when someone seems more popular, attractive, athletic, or successful. Perhaps we secretly wonder why others receive more attention than we do.

The desire for recognition is human. It becomes a problem when it begins to control our hearts. Then we no longer do things primarily because they are right, but because we want other people to notice them. We help while simultaneously hoping for praise. We talk about our successes but prefer to hide our mistakes. This desire can even conceal itself within our service for God. A person can speak about Jesus while secretly hoping that the listeners will mainly admire the speaker.

John could easily have said: “Look how many people are being changed through my ministry!” Instead, he essentially said: “Do not look at me. Look at the one who is coming after me.” His success did not make Jesus smaller. On the contrary, John used his influence to make Jesus greater.

Not Even the Sandals

John went even further. He said about Jesus: “I am not worthy to carry his sandals.” At that time, carrying or untying someone’s sandals was considered one of the lowest forms of service. With these words, John was not claiming that he was worthless as a human being. He wanted to make clear just how great Jesus is.

To many people at that time, Jesus appeared to be nothing more than a man from Nazareth. He wore no crown, was not accompanied by soldiers, and possessed no palace. But John knew that behind this outward simplicity stood an incomparable reality: the Son of God had come to live among humanity. The King of heaven was living in the middle of his creation. The sinless One had come to save sinners.

When you truly recognize the greatness of Jesus, you no longer need to make yourself appear artificially important. You do not need to keep proving how important you are when you know to whom you belong. You do not need to be the center of attention when Jesus is at the center of your life. His greatness does not take away your value. On the contrary, precisely because you belong to him, you can know how valuable you are.

A Signpost Is Not the Destination

Imagine a road sign pointing toward a city. The sign is important. Without it, some people might take the wrong road. Nevertheless, no one would stop in front of the sign and say: “At last, I have arrived!” The sign is not the destination. Its purpose is to point toward the destination.

This is how John understood his ministry. He was a signpost. His sermons, his way of life, and his baptism were meant to prepare people to meet Jesus. If people had ended up admiring only John, he would have failed in his mission.

Your life can also become such a signpost. You do not need to be a pastor or a missionary, nor do you have to speak before a large crowd. Perhaps your life points to Jesus when you remain honest even though others cheat. Perhaps it happens when you refuse to laugh at someone whom everyone else mocks, when you apologize after doing something wrong, or when you calmly explain why your faith is important to you. Perhaps a friend hears about God’s love for the first time because you listen and pray for them.

The decisive question is not: “Do people admire me?” Far more important is: “Does my life help them see Jesus?”

Jesus Is More Than an Example

John did not merely say that Jesus was a better teacher or a greater prophet. Jesus was incomparably greater because he could do something no human being is capable of doing. John could call people to repentance; Jesus could grant forgiveness. John could baptize with water; Jesus could renew a heart through the Holy Spirit. John could announce the coming King; Jesus was that King.

Even today, some people see Jesus primarily as a good man or a teacher of love. Of course, Jesus is our perfect example. But if he were only an example, we would have a serious problem. An example can show you how you should live, but it cannot bear your guilt. An example can show you what is right, but it cannot give new life to your heart.

You therefore need more than better rules or a higher moral ideal. You need forgiveness. You need a renewed heart. You need someone who can act on your behalf where you cannot save yourself. You need Jesus.

When Others Are More Successful

Later, John would see more and more people going to Jesus. Some of his own disciples became uneasy because of this. They saw that people’s attention was shifting away from their teacher and toward Jesus. John could have become jealous. He could have thought: “After everything I have done, the people are simply leaving and going to him.”

But John reacted in a completely different way. He said: “He must become greater; I must become less.” This was precisely what John had been working toward. When people followed Jesus, John’s mission had not failed—it had been fulfilled.

How do you react when someone else succeeds? When a friend receives a better grade, someone else is praised for an achievement, or another person receives more attention? Can you rejoice with them, or do you immediately feel that this somehow makes you less valuable?

Jealousy often grows from the fear that another person’s success takes something away from us. But your value does not depend on whether you are better than others. Your loving Father sees you, knows your gifts, and knows the task he has given you. He does not demand that you surpass someone else. He invites you to be faithful to him with what he has entrusted to you.

Who Is Sitting on the Throne?

John described Jesus as the more powerful one. But it is possible to call Jesus King with our lips while still wanting to sit on the throne of our own lives. We pray: “Your will be done,” but sometimes we secretly mean: “As long as your will fits my plans.”

We say that Jesus is our Lord, but when it comes to our relationships, free time, habits, or future plans, we would prefer to make all the decisions ourselves. Yet Jesus does not want to take away your joy in life. He is not a harsh king who uses his power to keep people down. He is the King who was willing to go to the cross for his people. That is precisely why you can trust him.

The most important question this evening is therefore not merely: “Is Jesus greater than John?” We already know the answer. The more personal question is: “May Jesus also become greater in my life?” May his voice become more important than the opinions of others? May his Word determine what is right and wrong? May he correct your plans and show you which habits you should let go of? May he truly be King?

Less of Me—More of Jesus

“Less of me” does not mean that you should lose your personality. God does not want to create colorless people who all think, speak, and act in exactly the same way. He has given you your own personality, abilities, and gifts. These things are valuable. The decisive question is simply what you use them for.

Perhaps you can sing well. Then you can use your voice not only so that people will admire you, but also to give them hope. Perhaps you are good at writing. Then your words can encourage people and point them toward Jesus. Perhaps you are athletic. Then you can demonstrate what fairness, respect, and Christian character look like. Perhaps you are especially good at listening. Then that very ability can become a gift from God to someone who feels lonely.

You do not need to become less valuable for Jesus to become greater. When Jesus is at the center, you discover what your abilities were truly meant for. John lost nothing by pointing people toward Jesus. In doing so, he fulfilled his mission.

Perhaps your greatest significance will ultimately not be found in having as many people as possible know your name. Perhaps it will be found in people coming to know the name of Jesus through your life.

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Think About It

In which situations do you especially want to be seen or praised? How do you react when someone else is more successful or receives more attention? Is there an area of your life in which you call Jesus your King but still want to make all the decisions yourself?

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Challenge for Tomorrow

Tomorrow, intentionally do something good without telling anyone about it. Perhaps you can help someone, encourage someone, quietly complete a task, or pray for a person who currently needs support. Let it be a quiet act of service that perhaps only your loving Father knows about.

As you do it, pray: “Jesus, I do not need to be the center of attention today. Let something of you become visible through my life.”

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Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you that Jesus is greater, stronger, and more wonderful than any human being. Thank you that I do not need to make myself appear important because I can know that I belong to you.

Forgive me when I want to be the center of attention too often, when I compare myself with others, or when I become jealous because someone else receives more attention. You know my desire for recognition and how quickly I make my value depend on what other people think of me.

Help me not to base my identity on praise, success, or attention, but on your love. Let Jesus become greater in my life. May his words be more important than my desires, his love stronger than my pride, and his will more precious than my own plans.

Use my abilities, my words, and my decisions so that others can see something of Jesus. Teach me to rejoice sincerely in the good things happening in other people’s lives and to serve you faithfully even when no one praises me for it.

Like John, I do not want to point to myself, but to Jesus.

Amen.

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Sleep well.

You do not need to be the center of attention to be valuable. Your loving Father knows you, loves you, and rejoices when your life points toward Jesus.

See you tomorrow.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%8c%99-still-awake-08-22-2026-%f0%9f%91%91-he-is-greater-than-i-am/

Bible Stories to Marvel At

Where God’s wonders become great – for little and big hearts

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Psalm 15 – Who May Dwell with God?

A life in God’s presence is revealed in character

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Introduction

Psalm 15 begins with a very deep question. David asks: Lord, who may dwell in Your tent? Who may remain on Your holy mountain? This is not merely a question about a place. It is a question about God’s presence.

In Psalm 14, we saw how dark a heart can become when it pushes God away. There we read about people who say in their hearts: There is no God. Psalm 15 now shows the other side. It asks: What does a person look like who wants to live with God?

God’s presence is holy. We cannot simply pretend that we belong to God while the heart remains full of lies, hardness, and injustice. Whoever wants to live in God’s presence should have an upright heart. Beautiful words alone are not enough, but a life that shows truth, faithfulness, mercy, and righteousness.

Psalm 15 is short, but very clear. It shows that true faith does not begin and end with worship. It becomes visible in everyday life: in what we say, how we speak about others, whether we remain faithful, whether we act honestly, and whether we respect people who honor God.

This Psalm invites little and big hearts to become honest before God. It does not ask: How religious do you look? Instead it asks: What is your heart like? How do you treat other people? Is your mouth truthful? Is your life firmly founded on God’s way?

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The Biblical Story

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David Asks a Holy Question

David does not begin with a long explanation, but with a question to God. He asks: Lord, who may dwell in Your tent? Who may remain on Your holy mountain?

The tent reminds us of the tabernacle, the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. The holy mountain reminds us of the place of worship, of Zion, of God’s special nearness.

So David is not merely asking: Who may visit a beautiful place? He is asking: Who may live in fellowship with God? Who can stand before Him? Who is fit to live near the holy God?

For little and big hearts, this is an important question. It is not only about whether we speak about God. It is about whether our lives fit His presence.

Dwelling with God Is More Than a Visit

David asks about dwelling with God. Dwelling means more than stopping by for a short visit. Whoever lives somewhere belongs there. He stays. He lives near the one with whom he dwells.

Many people want God’s help when they have problems. They want protection, comfort, and blessing. But Psalm 15 asks a deeper question: Do you really want to live with God? Do you want His presence to shape your thoughts, words, and actions?

God’s presence is not like a coat that we put on only on Sabbath or Sunday and then take off again. God’s presence wants to touch our whole life.

Whoever wants to dwell with God may learn: My heart, my words, my decisions, and the way I treat other people all belong before God’s face.

A Person Who Walks Uprightly

The first answer is: the person who walks blamelessly. This does not mean that he is sinless and faultless by his own strength. It means that his way is sincere. He does not live a double life.

An upright person does not want to appear devout before God while secretly loving evil. He wants to walk honestly before God. When he falls, he does not hide in pride, but returns to God.

For children, we can say: Being upright means not being two different people on the inside and outside. What you say and what you do should fit together.

Psalm 15 shows: Whoever wants to dwell in God’s presence needs an honest heart. Not a perfect appearance, but a sincere way of life.

He Does What Is Right

The person who may dwell with God practices righteousness. Righteousness means that he wants to do what is right before God. He does not treat others unfairly, cheat them, or take advantage of the weak.

Righteousness is not only a great word for judges and kings. It begins in everyday life. It becomes visible when we share honestly, tell the truth, deliberately disadvantage no one, and give others what is rightfully theirs.

A righteous person does not only ask: What can I get? He also asks: What is right? What honors God? What helps my neighbor?

God’s presence changes the way we treat people. Whoever loves God cannot remain indifferent to injustice.

He Speaks Truth from His Heart

Psalm 15 also says that this person speaks truth from the heart. This means more than simply avoiding outward lies. It means that truth lives in the heart and comes out through the mouth.

People can manipulate with words, tell only half the story, or speak in such a way that others understand something false. But a person who wants to be near God should be truthful.

For little and big hearts, this is very practical. If you broke something, truth is better than an excuse. If you made a mistake, honesty is better than hiding it.

God loves truth in the inward being. He does not merely want to hear beautiful sentences. He wants a heart that is true.

He Does Not Slander with His Tongue

Then Psalm 15 speaks about the tongue. The person who may dwell with God does not slander. To slander means to speak badly about someone, especially in a way that damages that person’s reputation.

Words can be like little stones that we throw. Sometimes they strike deeply. A single sentence can wound, shame, or place someone in a false light.

A person who lives near God should therefore be careful with the tongue. He does not simply repeat everything he hears. He does not make others small in order to make himself look greater.

For children, we can say: If you hear something bad about someone, you do not have to pass it on. Sometimes silence is more loving than speaking.

He Does No Evil to His Neighbor

Psalm 15 continues by saying that this person does no evil to his neighbor. Faith is therefore revealed not only in words, but also in actions.

A neighbor is not only your best friend. It is the person beside you, the person who needs your help, or the person you deal with in everyday life. God pays attention to how we treat these people.

Doing no evil to someone means: I do not deliberately hurt him. I do not cheat him. I do not use him. I do not make him look ridiculous. I do not seek his harm.

A heart that wants to dwell with God asks: How can I treat my neighbor well? How can I promote peace instead of causing wounds?

He Does Not Bring Shame upon His Neighbor

The Psalm also says that this person does not reproach his neighbor. This means: he does not shame him, expose him, or treat him with contempt.

Sometimes you may not strike someone with your hands, but you can hurt him deeply with words. Mockery, ridicule, and public humiliation can wound the heart.

God sees these things too. He does not only hear prayers and songs. He also hears how we speak about people when they are not present.

Whoever wants to live in God’s presence learns not to damage another person’s reputation carelessly. He would rather protect than destroy.

He Does Not Call Evil Good

Psalm 15 says that a vile person is despised in his eyes. This does not mean that the righteous person hates people or proudly looks down on others. It means: he does not admire evil.

It is dangerous when people begin to make evil ways look attractive. If someone lies, cheats, acts cruelly, or despises God, this should not be admired as courageous or impressive.

A person who loves God does not confuse darkness with light. He does not say: It does not matter. He learns to take God’s standard seriously.

For little and big hearts, this means: We should love people, but we should not admire evil. Love does not mean calling wrong things good.

He Honors Those Who Fear the Lord

The Psalm goes on to say that this person honors those who fear the Lord. God-fearing people are people who take God seriously, love Him, trust Him, and respect His ways.

The world often admires other things: wealth, beauty, power, loudness, or success. Psalm 15 shows a different standard. A heart that honors God is truly valuable.

Whoever wants to be near God rejoices over people who love God. He does not mock them, but respects them. He does not only seek the company of the popular, but also the company of the faithful.

This is a beautiful question for us: Whom do I admire? What kind of people are my role models? Psalm 15 says: Honor those who fear the Lord.

He Keeps His Word Even When It Becomes Difficult

A particularly strong statement follows: The person who dwells with God keeps what he has sworn even when it hurts him. This means: he remains faithful even when faithfulness costs something.

Sometimes it is easy to make a promise. It becomes difficult when the promise is no longer convenient. Then it becomes clear whether a person is truly dependable.

For children, we can say: If you promised something, you should not simply say: It no longer suits me. A faithful heart takes words seriously.

God is faithful. Therefore, His children should also learn faithfulness. A person who wants to dwell with God should not speak carelessly and then forget his words.

He Does Not Use Money to Oppress Others

Psalm 15 says that this person does not lend his money at usury. Usury means taking advantage of people in need through unfair demands. It is about money that does not help, but enslaves.

Money can be used to help. But it can also be used to gain power over others. Psalm 15 warns us not to use another person’s need for our own advantage.

A person who lives near God does not ask: How can I profit from this person’s weakness? He asks: How can I act justly and mercifully?

God’s character becomes visible even in the way we deal with money. Honesty, compassion, and justice belong together.

He Does Not Accept a Bribe Against the Innocent

The Psalm also says that this person does not accept a bribe against the innocent. This means: he does not allow himself to be bought in order to support injustice.

Bribery bends the heart. When someone accepts money or advantages in order to harm an innocent person, he betrays justice.

God takes such things very seriously. Innocent people need protection. Whoever betrays them for money places profit above truth.

For little and big hearts, this means: Do not do something wrong only because you gain an advantage from it. God’s truth is more precious than profit.

Whoever Lives This Way Will Not Be Shaken

Psalm 15 ends with a strong promise: Whoever does these things will never be shaken. This does not mean that this person will never experience difficulties. It means that his life has a firm foundation.

A house built on solid rock stands differently from a house built on loose sand. A heart founded on God’s truth, righteousness, and faithfulness has stability.

This person may be tested, but he will not simply be carried away by the winds of evil. He lives under God’s gaze and in God’s presence.

For little and big hearts, this is an invitation: Do not build your life on lies, mockery, injustice, or selfish gain. Build on God. Then your heart will have a firm foundation.

God’s Presence Shapes Character

Psalm 15 shows us that God’s presence is not merely a feeling. It shapes character. Whoever wants to dwell with God learns to speak differently, act differently, make promises differently, and treat people differently.

Faith is therefore not only a song, not only a prayer, and not only a beautiful thought. Faith becomes visible in everyday life. It is revealed when no one is watching, when a word is difficult, when faithfulness costs something, and when righteousness is inconvenient.

This makes Psalm 15 very practical. It does not lead us away from life, but directly into it. There, in everyday life, it becomes visible whether our heart truly wants to dwell with God.

The good news is: God invites us into His presence. And whoever comes to Him may be changed by Him. He gives not only a holy standard, but also grace, strength, and a new heart.

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What This Psalm Shows

Psalm 15 shows that God’s presence is holy. Whoever wants to dwell with God should not merely know religious words, but live an upright life.

The Psalm also shows how true faith becomes visible in everyday life: in truth, righteousness, faithfulness, careful speech, respect for one’s neighbor, honest use of money, and honor toward those who fear the Lord.

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Summary

Psalm 15 begins with the question of who may dwell in God’s tent and remain on His holy mountain. The answer describes a person with upright character. He walks blamelessly, does what is right, and speaks truth from the heart. He does not slander, does no evil to his neighbor, and does not shame him. He does not admire evil, but honors those who fear the Lord. He keeps his word even when it hurts him. He does not misuse money unjustly and does not accept a bribe to harm the innocent. Whoever lives this way has a firm foundation and will not be shaken.

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Message for Little and Big Hearts Today

We learn: God’s presence changes our lives. Whoever wants to live with God should not merely speak beautiful words, but act sincerely, honestly, faithfully, and justly.

We also learn: Our words matter. God pays attention to whether we speak truth, protect others, or hurt them. A heart near God learns to use the tongue to bring peace instead of harm.

And we learn: Faithfulness has value. Even when honesty, righteousness, and keeping promises are difficult, they give life a firm foundation. Whoever remains on God’s way will not be shaken.

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Thought for Reflection

What does it mean to want to dwell with God?
How can I speak truth from my heart today?
Where does God want to make my character stronger, more honest, and more faithful?

Invitation to Psalm 16

God Is My Secure Portion

Psalm 15 asked us who may dwell with God. It showed that a life in God’s presence becomes visible through truth, faithfulness, righteousness, and upright character.

Psalm 16 now leads us into deep trust. David seeks refuge in God and confesses that the Lord is his portion, his joy, and his hope. He knows: With God, his life is secure.

What does it mean when God Himself becomes a person’s greatest treasure?

Come and discover the next Psalm!

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Teaser for Psalm 16

When God Makes the Heart Secure

Psalm 16 is a Psalm of trust. David knows that true joy is not found first of all in things, but in God Himself. The Lord is his inheritance, his cup, and his secure future.

Why does David seek refuge in God?
What does it mean that the Lord is his portion?
And why can a heart in God’s presence be full of joy and hope?

In the next Psalm, we will learn: Whoever has God as his greatest treasure is not poor, but rich in hope.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%a7%92%f0%9f%93%9a-bible-stories-to-marvel-at-08-22-2026-%f0%9f%8e%bb-psalms-%e2%9b%ba-chap-15-who-may-dwell-with-god/

WHEN THE WORLD IS APPROACHING ITS END

Hope, Watchfulness, and Faithfulness in Matthew 24–25

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Sermon 1: When Not One Stone Is Left Upon Another

Earthly securities and the unshakable kingdom of God

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Main Text: Matthew 24:1–3
Key Verse: Hebrews 12:28
Sermon Thought: Everything earthly can be shaken. But whoever builds on Christ and His Word belongs to a kingdom that will never pass away.

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Welcome and Introduction

Dear congregation,

today we begin our sermon series on Matthew 24 and 25. In these two chapters, Jesus speaks about the future of Jerusalem, the course of world history, signs and deceptions, watchfulness and readiness, faithfulness and responsibility, and finally about His glorious second coming.

These words of Jesus are serious, but they were not spoken to fill us with fear. Jesus does not want to turn us into sensation-seeking observers who suspect the next prophetic event behind every headline. He wants to prepare people who will remain standing even when familiar things collapse.

The Olivet Discourse does not begin with a distant gaze into the sky, but with a building. The disciples point out the temple to Jesus. They see its greatness, beauty, and apparent indestructibility. Jesus, however, already sees the day when nothing of this glory will remain but ruins.

Before we open Matthew 24, I would like to take us into that time through a narrative illustration.

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The Stone in His Hand

The following story is a narrative illustration based on the events surrounding the destruction of Jerusalem.

The old man stood silently on the hill. Below him lay Jerusalem – or what was left of Jerusalem. Where mighty walls had once risen, broken stones now lay scattered. Houses had collapsed, gates had burned, and entire streets were buried beneath rubble. The smell of smoke still hung over the ruins.

The hardest sight for the old man to bear was the Temple Mount. For decades, the temple had shone over the city. Its white marble stones had reflected the sunlight. Its golden decorations had been visible from afar. Pilgrims had stopped as soon as they saw it and had prayed to God with reverence.

Now almost nothing remained.

The man’s name was Eliakim. As a young man, he himself had worked at the temple. He had seen the enormous stone blocks and had run his hands over their smooth surfaces. At that time, an older builder had once said to him: “Look at these stones, Eliakim. As long as these walls stand, Jerusalem will never fall.”

Eliakim had believed him. Who could have destroyed such walls? Who would have dared to touch God’s temple? For Eliakim, the temple had been more than a building. It was the visible sign that God dwelt among His people. As long as the temple stood, he had thought, nothing could happen to them.

Now part of those seemingly indestructible stones lay at his feet.

Eliakim bent down and picked up a broken piece of white marble. It was heavy. One side was still smooth, the other blackened by fire.

His grandson Jonathan, who stood beside him, looked up at him.

“Grandfather,” the boy asked quietly, “was that really once part of the temple?”

Eliakim nodded.

“Yes. Perhaps this stone belonged to a wall. Perhaps to a column. I do not know.”

Jonathan looked over the destroyed city.

“You always said the temple was the most beautiful building in the world.”

“It was.”

“Then why did God allow it to be destroyed?”

Eliakim did not answer immediately. The boy’s question struck him deeply. It was a question that had troubled him as well. After a while, he sat down on a larger stone. Jonathan sat beside him.

“Many years before you were born,” Eliakim began, “I heard about a Teacher from Galilee. His name was Jesus.”

The boy knew that name. His parents had told him about Jesus. But he remained silent and listened carefully.

“Jesus was standing with His disciples in front of the temple,” Eliakim continued. “The disciples pointed out the mighty buildings and the enormous stones. They were just as impressed as all of us were.”

Eliakim looked again at the ruins.

“But Jesus said something that no one wanted to believe at the time.”

“What did He say?” Jonathan asked.

The old man held the piece of marble in his hand and answered:

“Do you not see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

Jonathan looked at the stone in his grandfather’s hand.

“And it really happened.”

“Yes,” Eliakim said. “Exactly as Jesus had predicted.”

“Did you believe Him then?”

Eliakim lowered his eyes.

“No. I thought it was impossible. I trusted the walls. I trusted the greatness of the city. I trusted what my eyes could see.”

The boy waited while the old man searched for words.

“Some followers of Jesus,” Eliakim continued, “took His warning seriously. They remembered His words. When the Roman armies came and then withdrew for a short time, they left the city. Many people mocked them. They were called cowards and traitors.”

“But they were saved,” Jonathan said.

“Yes. They were saved because they trusted the word of Jesus more than their eyes.”

The wind moved across the hill and stirred dust among the broken stones.

Jonathan pointed to the piece of marble.

“Then that stone was not as strong as people thought.”

Eliakim looked at it for a long time.

“No. It was strong. But it was not eternal.”

The old man slowly let the stone fall to the ground. It struck the rubble with a dull sound.

“That is the lesson I learned very late, Jonathan: Everything people build can fall.”

He pointed toward the city.

“Walls can fall. Temples can be destroyed. Empires can collapse. Possessions can be lost. People we depend on can disappoint us. Even our own lives can change from one day to the next.”

Jonathan moved closer to his grandfather.

“Then is there anything at all that is safe?”

Eliakim put his arm around the boy.

“Yes. There is a Rock that never falls.”

“What Rock?”

“Jesus.”

The old man looked into his grandson’s eyes.

“It took me many years to understand that. Jesus had not only predicted the destruction. He had also told people where they could find security.”

Eliakim quoted words he had since learned by heart:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Matthew 7:24–25

“So the disciples of Jesus were saved because they had built on the Rock?” Jonathan asked.

“Yes. They heard His words – and they acted on them.”

Eliakim looked once more at Jerusalem.

“Many people knew the temple. They admired its stones. They attended the services. But when Jesus spoke to them, they did not want to listen. They trusted the building more than the Lord of the temple.”

Jonathan thought for a while.

Then he asked:

“Grandfather, what are we building our house on?”

The old man smiled sadly, but there was hope in his eyes.

“Not on these stones,” he answered, pointing toward the ruins. “We are building on the Word of Jesus.”

The two sat on the hill for a long time. Before them lay a destroyed city. Behind them were years filled with fear, flight, and loss. Yet in the middle of the ruins, something had arisen that no Roman army could destroy: a trust no longer resting on visible walls.

Finally Eliakim stood and held out his hand to his grandson.

“Come,” he said. “We are going home.”

Jonathan looked around.

“But where is our home now?”

Eliakim looked toward heaven.

“Wherever Christ is with us.”

Then they walked down the hill together. Behind them lay the broken piece of marble – a silent witness that even the mightiest works of human beings pass away.

But the words of Jesus remained.

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1. What the Disciples Saw – and What Jesus Saw

This story takes us back to the moment when Jesus left the temple with His disciples. The disciples saw enormous stones and what appeared to be an unshakable future. Jesus, however, saw what no human being could see.

We read Matthew 24:1–2:

“Jesus left the temple and was walking away when His disciples came up to Him to call His attention to its buildings. ‘Do you see all these things?’ He asked. ‘Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.’

Matthew 24:1–2

Mark tells us how impressed the disciples were:

“As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!’

Mark 13:1

In these words we hear genuine amazement. The temple was the religious center of the people, a national symbol, and one of the most impressive buildings of the ancient world. Some of its stones were of extraordinary size. White marble, golden decorations, and massive walls gave the impression that the structure would stand forever.

But Jesus was not blinded by the brilliance of the facade. He saw not only what the temple looked like at that moment. He also saw where the spiritual development of the nation would lead.

Only moments earlier, He had lamented over Jerusalem:

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing! Look, your house is left to you desolate.”

Matthew 23:37–38

Jesus did not rejoice over the coming judgment. He did not speak coldly about the destruction of the city. Luke reports:

“As He approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace – but now it is hidden from your eyes.’”

Luke 19:41–42

The One who announced Jerusalem’s destruction wept over Jerusalem. Prophetic preaching without the heart of Jesus becomes hard, proud, and cold. Jesus spoke about judgment, but He spoke with tears. He warned because He wanted to save.

Ellen White describes the sight of Jesus looking upon Jerusalem with these words:

“The Majesty of heaven in tears! The Son of the infinite God troubled in spirit, bowed down with anguish!”

She emphasizes that Christ saw not only the city, but also the consequences of sin and the suffering of all humanity before Him. Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, Chapter 1: “The Destruction of Jerusalem”

Therefore, whenever we speak about Matthew 24, we must never forget who is speaking. It is not a sensation-seeking prophet who takes pleasure in the downfall of the world. It is the Savior who weeps over a lost city.

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2. The Danger of False Security

Why were the words of Jesus so shocking to the disciples? Because the temple was not merely a building to them. It was part of their spiritual security.

The people believed: God’s house stands here; therefore nothing can happen to Jerusalem. A similar attitude had already existed in the days of Jeremiah. At that time God said:

“Do not trust in deceptive words and say, ‘The temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD!’ If you really change your ways and your actions…”

Jeremiah 7:4–5

The people trusted in the temple while disregarding God’s will. They treated the visible sign of God’s presence like a guarantee that would remain valid regardless of their relationship with Him.

But a holy building cannot protect an unholy way of life. Religious tradition cannot replace a living relationship with God. Belonging to a church is valuable, but it does not save us without Christ. Knowledge of prophetic truth is a gift, but it cannot replace personal obedience.

Jesus said to the religious leaders:

“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are the very Scriptures that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.”

John 5:39–40

They knew the Scriptures, but rejected the One to whom the Scriptures pointed. They loved the temple, but rejected the Lord of the temple.

We too can rely on things that are good and valuable but must never become our foundation. We may rely on our church tradition, our Bible knowledge, our experience, our position, our family, or our past faithfulness. But Paul warns:

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

1 Corinthians 10:12

Our security does not lie in how long we have believed. It does not lie in how many sermons we have heard or how many prophetic connections we understand. Our security lies in Christ alone.

Paul writes:

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 3:11

Everything else can be shaken. Christ remains.

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3. God Does Not Dwell in Stones, but Among His People

The temple had a God-given purpose. It reminded Israel of God’s presence, sacrifice, forgiveness, and the coming Messiah. But the temple was never intended to replace God.

Solomon already recognized this at the dedication of the first temple:

“But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built!”

2 Chronicles 6:18

God allowed His glory to become visible in the temple, but He was not confined within a building. When Jesus came, the true Temple of God stood in the midst of the people.

John writes:

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

Jesus said about Himself:

“Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

John 2:19

John explains:

“But the temple He had spoken of was His body.”

John 2:21

The earthly temple could be destroyed. Christ was crucified, but on the third day He rose from the grave. In this way God showed that His presence, His plan of salvation, and His kingdom do not depend on a human building.

After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the church became the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes:

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells among you?”

1 Corinthians 3:16

And Peter says:

“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 2:5

God’s work does not depend on marble stones. His church consists of living stones – people in whom Christ dwells.

Church buildings can be closed, damaged, or destroyed. Institutions can be shaken. Structures can change. But as long as people hold on to Christ, pray, proclaim His Word, and serve one another, God’s church lives.

Jesus says:

“For where two or three gather in My name, there am I with them.”

Matthew 18:20

The true wealth of a congregation therefore does not lie first in its building, technology, program, or social standing. Its greatest treasure is the presence of Jesus.

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4. What Happens When Our Securities Collapse?

Jesus’ words about the temple also confront us with a personal question: What happens to our faith when something we have depended on suddenly collapses?

Some people build their security on possessions. Jesus tells of a rich man whose fields produced an abundant harvest. The man said:

“I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’”

Luke 12:18–19

But God replied:

“You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?”

Luke 12:20

The man’s problem was not that his fields had produced well. His problem was that his possessions had become his foundation. His barns were full, but his soul was empty.

Others build on their health. Yet a single diagnosis can change an entire life. Some build on their profession until a dismissal shakes their identity. Some build on human relationships until they are disappointed or abandoned. Others build on political stability, economic progress, or the supposed security of society.

The Bible does not forbid us to plan responsibly. But it warns us not to make temporary things our ultimate support.

David writes:

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.”

Psalm 20:7–8

And the prophet Jeremiah says:

“Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the LORD. But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.”

Jeremiah 17:5, 7

It is possible that God may allow certain securities to be shaken so that we recognize what we have truly built upon. This does not mean that every suffering is a direct punishment from God. But God can use even difficult experiences to draw us closer to Himself.

Paul speaks of such an experience:

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”

2 Corinthians 1:8–9

Paul came to the end of his own strength. There he learned not to trust in himself, but in the God who raises the dead.

Perhaps you are asking today: Why did God allow something in my life to collapse? Why was a door closed? Why did a relationship not endure? Why did a hope break apart?

We will not receive an immediate answer to every question. But we may know this: When our visible securities fall, Christ does not fall.

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5. The House on the Rock

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells of two men. Both built a house. Both experienced the same storm. The decisive difference was not the beauty of the house, but its foundation.

Jesus says:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

Matthew 7:24–25

Then Jesus describes the second house:

“But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Matthew 7:26–27

Both men heard the words of Jesus. The difference was not between someone who knew the Bible and someone who had never heard of God. Both heard. But only one acted upon what he heard.

Building on Christ therefore means more than intellectually agreeing with correct doctrines. It means obeying His Word.

When Jesus says, “Forgive,” I build on the Rock by forgiving.

When Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom of God,” I build on the Rock by reordering my priorities.

When Jesus says, “Love your enemies,” I build on the Rock by refusing to nurture hatred and revenge.

When God says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” I build on the Rock by trusting His command.

When Jesus says, “Watch,” I build on the Rock by remaining spiritually awake.

The storm does not first reveal what foundation we need. It reveals what foundation we have already chosen. Therefore, preparation for future crises does not begin only when the crisis arrives. It begins today in the seemingly small decisions of faith.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

Luke 16:10

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6. A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken

The destruction of Jerusalem shows us that even impressive religious and political systems can fall. But the Bible speaks of a kingdom that will never pass away.

Daniel saw in vision the successive kingdoms of world history. Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome came and went. Then he saw another kingdom:

“In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.”

Daniel 2:44

The kingdoms of this world arise, reach the height of their power, and disappear. Borders change, governments change, systems collapse. But the kingdom of God remains.

Hebrews 12 describes a final great shaking:

“At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, ‘Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.’ The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken – that is, created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain.”

Hebrews 12:26–27

Then comes our key verse:

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”

Hebrews 12:28

We are receiving an unshakable kingdom. This does not mean that Christians will never experience shaking. It means that the shaking will not have the final word over us.

Paul writes:

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4:8–9

Why are we not destroyed? Because our life is hidden with Christ.

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Colossians 3:3

Our possessions may be lost, but our inheritance in heaven remains. Our bodies may become weak, but the inner person can be renewed. People may reject us, but Christ does not abandon us. Even death cannot separate us from His love.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:38–39

This is the Christian’s security. Not the absence of shaking, but the indestructible presence of Christ.

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7. From the Destruction of Jerusalem to the End of the World

After Jesus announced the destruction of the temple, the disciples went with Him to the Mount of Olives.

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. ‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?’”

Matthew 24:3

In their question, they connected the destruction of Jerusalem with the second coming of Jesus and the end of the world. Jesus answered in such a way that His words included both the events of their own time and the developments reaching to the end of the world.

Ellen White explains:

“The prophecy which He uttered was twofold in its meaning.”

It referred to the destruction of Jerusalem and at the same time pointed forward to the events preceding the second coming. Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, Chapter 1

Jerusalem therefore became a warning example. The city possessed great religious privileges, but its inhabitants rejected the voice of Jesus. They had the temple, but rejected the Messiah. They held on to outward forms while rejecting the inward call to repentance.

Before the end of the world, people will also trust visible securities more than the Word of God. Jesus warns:

“For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Matthew 24:38–39

Eating, drinking, and marrying were not sinful. The problem was that people were completely absorbed in everyday life and ignored God’s warning. They lived as though the present world would last forever.

Peter reminds us:

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”

1 Peter 4:7

The right response to prophetic knowledge is not panic, but sobriety and prayer. Paul says:

“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”

1 Thessalonians 5:6

Matthew 24 should not cause us to stare anxiously at the world all the time. It should move us to look more faithfully to Jesus.

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8. We Are Not Merely Waiting for an Event – We Are Waiting for Our Lord

Christian hope is not directed only toward the end of an old world. It is directed toward the return of a Person.

Jesus says:

“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

Notice the personal language of Jesus: “I will come back. I will take you to be with Me. You will be where I am.”

We are not merely waiting for a prophetic chart to be fulfilled.

We are waiting for Jesus.

We are not merely waiting for an event. We are waiting for our Lord.

Paul writes:

“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 are left 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

The center of this passage is not the trumpet, the clouds, or dramatic events. Its center is:

“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

That is our hope. Jesus is coming to take His people to Himself.

Matthew 24 describes shaking, wars, famines, persecution, and deception. But the chapter does not end in darkness. Jesus says:

“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. And He will send His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds.”

Matthew 24:30–31

World history is not moving toward chaos as its final destination, but toward the return of the King. Evil will not have the final word. Christ will come, raise the dead, gather His people, and establish His eternal kingdom visibly.

Therefore Jesus says:

“When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Luke 21:28

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9. What Remains When Everything Else Falls?

Dear congregation, perhaps we too regard certain things as unshakable: our houses, savings, health, professional position, social order, or even our religious institutions.

We look at them and think: This will remain.

But Jesus does not ask us today how impressive our house looks. He asks what foundation it stands upon.

What remains when possessions are lost?

What remains when health fades?

What remains when people disappoint us?

What remains when familiar structures collapse?

What remains when not one stone is left upon another?

David answers:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

Psalm 46:1–2

And Isaiah says:

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD Himself, is the Rock eternal.”

Isaiah 26:4

Christ is this eternal Rock. He was there before the first stone of the temple was laid. He remained after the last stone had fallen. He was there before the kingdoms of this world arose. And He will reign when all of them have passed away.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Hebrews 13:8

The question of this first sermon is therefore not: When will the next crisis come? The deeper question is:

What is my life built upon?

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10. How Do We Build on the Rock Today?

Building on Christ is not a one-time emotional decision without consequences for everyday life. It is a life of continual trust and obedience.

We build on the Rock by not merely reading God’s Word, but putting it into practice:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

James 1:22

We build on the Rock by remaining connected with Christ in prayer:

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Matthew 26:41

We build on the Rock by confessing our sins instead of hiding them:

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9

We build on the Rock by putting God’s kingdom first:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:33

We build on the Rock by remaining in love:

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

And we build on the Rock by not attaching our hope to this world:

“For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.”

Hebrews 13:14

This does not mean that we neglect our earthly responsibilities. Precisely because we are waiting for the coming kingdom, we should work faithfully today, love people, take responsibility, and proclaim the gospel.

Jesus connects Matthew 24 directly with Matthew 25. After the call to watchfulness come the parables of the ten virgins, the entrusted talents, and the judgment of the nations. Already here it becomes clear: Being ready does not mean sitting idly and staring at the sky. Being ready means waiting with a burning lamp, using the gifts entrusted to us, and serving Christ in those who are in need.

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Conclusion: The Stone Falls – the Word Remains

Let us return once more to Eliakim and his grandson. The old man held a stone from the temple in his hand. That stone had once belonged to a building that seemed indestructible.

Then Eliakim let it fall.

The stone remained among the ruins. But the words of Jesus had been fulfilled and remained.

Jesus says:

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”

Matthew 24:35

The temple passed away. The word of Jesus remained.

Jerusalem was shaken. The word of Jesus remained.

Empires arose and fell. The word of Jesus remained.

Even heaven and earth will pass away. The word of Jesus remains.

If our lives are founded on this Word, we possess a hope that no crisis can destroy.

Perhaps something has already fallen in your life that you once considered unshakable. Perhaps you stand before the ruins of a hope, a relationship, a plan, or a chapter of your life. Jesus does not say: “Pretend nothing happened.” He invites you to find a new foundation in the midst of the ruins.

Not the stone in your hand.

Not what you built yourself.

Not your own strength.

But Christ.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 3:11

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Appeal

I would like to ask three questions today.

The first is:

Is there something in my life that I trust more than Jesus?

Perhaps it is possessions, health, success, another person, a religious tradition, or my own experience.

The second question is:

Do I merely hear the words of Jesus, or do I also act on them?

The house on the Rock is not built by the person who merely knows the words of Jesus, but by the person who hears them and does them.

The third question is:

Am I willing to place my future completely into the hands of Christ?

Perhaps you do not know what shaking still lies ahead. But today you can know who will carry you through it.

If you want to say, “Lord Jesus, I want to build my life anew on You,” then make that decision firmly in your heart now.

If you recognize that something else has become your foundation, bring it to Jesus.

And if you are standing right now before the ruins of a broken hope, then say to Him:

“Lord, I do not understand my path. But I trust You. You are my Rock.”

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Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ,

we thank You that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. Heaven and earth will pass away, but Your words will never pass away.

Forgive us when we have sought our security in things that cannot last. Forgive us when possessions, health, people, traditions, or our own strength have become more important than You.

Teach us to build our lives on the Rock. Help us not merely to hear Your Word, but to act upon it. Give us a faith that stands not only in peaceful times, but also when storms come and familiar securities fall.

We pray for all who today stand before the ruins of a hope. Be near to those who mourn, strengthen the sick, comfort the lonely, and give new hope to those who can no longer see a way forward.

Protect Your church from false security. Do not let us possess only an outward form of godliness, but a living relationship with You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and make us living stones in Your spiritual house.

Prepare us for Your return. Let us be watchful without being afraid; sober without becoming cold; faithful without becoming proud; and hopeful because You are coming again.

Lord, when everything else is shaken, hold us fast. When not one stone is left upon another, let us stand on the eternal Rock.

For we are not merely waiting for an event.

We are waiting for You, our Lord.

In Your name we pray.

Amen.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/%f0%9f%8c%85%e2%91%a6-%f0%9f%8e%99%ef%b8%8fsabbath-sermon-%f0%9f%8c%8d-when-the-world-is-approaching-its-end-sermon-1-%f0%9f%aa%a8-when-not-one-stone-is-left-upon-another/