SUDDENLY: Dont Be Left Out In The Dark
09/14/2025
Jesus came not for those who think they are righteous, but for those who know they are lost and in need of forgiveness. His heart is for the hurting, the broken, and those trapped in sin, offering them a new life and a new direction. As a church, we are called to share this same heart, seeking out those who are suffering or far from God, and pointing them to the hope and freedom found in Christ. When we remember our own need for grace, we are moved to compassion for others, longing to see them set free and restored. 
[27:22]
Luke 5:31-32 (ESV)
And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
Reflection: Who in your life is hurting or far from God, and how can you intentionally reach out to them this week with the love and hope of Jesus?
Jesus warns us to be on guard, alert, and spiritually awake, because His return will come suddenly and unexpectedly. Just as people in Noah’s day were caught off guard by the flood, many will be unprepared for the coming of the Son of Man. We are called not to let our hearts be dulled by the distractions and worries of life, but to live each day with readiness, keeping our eyes on Jesus and our hearts set on eternity. The call is to live with urgency, knowing that the day of the Lord could come at any moment. [36:32]
Luke 21:34-36 (ESV)
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Reflection: What is one distraction or worry that is dulling your spiritual alertness, and how can you surrender it to God today to be more watchful for His return?
The parable of the ten virgins teaches that being ready for Jesus’ return is not something we can borrow from others or put off until the last minute. Five were wise and prepared, honoring the bridegroom by being ready, while five were foolish, inattentive, and missed out because they neglected their responsibility. The door was shut to those who were unprepared, reminding us that each person must respond to Jesus personally and cannot rely on the faith or preparedness of others. How we view and honor Jesus now determines our eternal destiny. [46:11]
Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV)
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
Reflection: Are you personally prepared to meet Jesus, or are you relying on someone else’s faith or spiritual life to carry you? What step can you take today to make your relationship with Christ your own?
Being ready for Jesus’ return is not just about a one-time decision, but about living a life of long obedience, faithfully serving, loving, and caring for others as we wait. The wise are those who honor the invitation, prepare for the long wait, and see it as a privilege to serve the bridegroom. Obedience is not passive; it is active, caring for one another, building up the church, and living in a way that Christ would find us faithful when He comes. Even if the wait is long, we are called to persevere and not grow weary in doing good. [52:40]
Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to renew your commitment to long-term obedience and faithfulness, even when it feels like you are waiting a long time for God to move?
The suddenness of Christ’s return or of death means we cannot afford to delay our response to God’s invitation. Jesus is the only door to eternal life, and He calls each of us to surrender, to follow Him, and to be changed from the inside out. Today is the day to respond, to turn from distraction or half-heartedness, and to give your life fully to Christ. Don’t wait for a more convenient time—be ready now, living in faith, obedience, and worship, so that whenever the sudden moment comes, you are found in Him. [01:07:38]
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Reflection: Is there any area where you are putting off surrendering to Jesus or responding to His call? What is one step you can take today to fully respond and be ready?
..... a loving church