Sermon Recap+ Nov 16th 2025

In a world filled with uncertainty, destruction, and constant change, it's natural to seek knowledge and power to protect ourselves. We want to know when bad things will happen so we can prepare. We want signs and warnings. But what if there's a better question to ask than "when" and "what"?

Watch the whole thing on Demand - Click here

What Happens When Everything Falls Apart?

Jesus spoke to his disciples about the beautiful temple, adorned with precious stones and gifts dedicated to God. The people believed it would last forever. But Jesus had different news: "The days will come when not one stone will be left upon another. All will be thrown down."

This wasn't just about a physical building. Jesus was teaching that our institutions, our wisdom, our knowledge, our technology, our power - none of it will ultimately stand. Even his own body was destroyed, yet the temple of the Spirit was rebuilt in three days.

Why Do We Want to Know the Future?

When the disciples heard about coming destruction, they immediately asked two questions: "When will this be?" and "What will be the sign?" They wanted knowledge and power to anticipate and avoid the awful things.

This is completely human. If someone told you that you'd have cancer in 2026, you'd prepare. If someone warned you the market would crash, you'd sell your stocks. If you knew your child would die in a car accident on a specific date, you wouldn't let them leave the house. But there's a better question than asking when destruction will come.

What's the Better Question to Ask?

Instead of asking "when" and "what," we should ask: "Are you going to be with me?"

Jesus' answer would be clear: "Of course. That's why I'm here with you right now."

This shifts our focus from trying to control the future to trusting in God's presence today. And that leads us to the central message: Today is an opportunity to testify.

How Should We Respond to Uncertainty?

Jesus gives us three clear steps for navigating uncertain times:

Step 1: Do Not Go After Them

Jesus warns that many will come claiming to have the solution, saying "I am he" and "the time is near." They'll offer snake oil solutions and quick fixes.

When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Pay attention to red flags. Don't follow those who claim to have all the answers or demand blind acceptance without discussion. Christians are particularly susceptible to conspiracy theories - up to 93% according to research - because we dwell in the spiritual world and can be more gullible when someone uses fancy words and claims "God told me to tell you."

Remember: You don't have to chase Jesus because Christ is coming toward you. As Revelation 1:7 says, "Look, he's coming with the clouds."

Step 2: Do Not Be Terrified

Jesus promises there will be earthquakes, famines, plagues, persecution, arrest, and even death. As Christians, we should expect persecution - not because life is randomly cruel, but because Jesus already told us this would happen.

Are you dealing with anxiety and depression? Struggling to make ends meet? Wrestling with life's purpose and meaning? This is to be expected because we live in a broken reality due to the fall of man and the sinful nature of this world.

But here's the key: God promises that "not a hair of your head will be harmed." This doesn't mean physical protection - it means what truly matters spiritually will be preserved.

Step 3: Make Up Your Mind Not to Prepare Your Defense in Advance

You don't need to defend Christ. You don't need to defend your faith. You don't need to be the savior of Christianity. Think about it this way: If you owned a full-grown lion and someone attacked it, how would you defend the lion? You'd let the lion go - the lion can defend itself. Do you think God, the Creator of everything, needs your protection? Can you protect the one who created you?

You don't need to have all the answers or defend God. You simply need to trust that today is an opportunity to testify through how you live, love, and respond to whatever comes your way.

What Does It Mean to Testify Today?

Testifying isn't about standing in front of a church and showing off what's happened to you. Real testimony happens in the thick of life through:

• How you carry yourself under stress

• How you remain faithful when others panic

• How you trust God when the world shakes

• How you deal with suffering and loss

• How you don't let fear write your story

• How you maintain compassion and integrity whether you're guilty or innocent

Testifying happens when you allow your faith to go before you and around you, reflecting the God of love in all that you do.

Why Shouldn't We Fight Our Own Battles?

At just the right time, Christ will win. At just the right time, Christ will come. Our job isn't to fight our own battles but to allow God to fight them for us. Even on the cross, Jesus demonstrated this perfectly: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they're doing."

Life Application

This week, resist the urge to control outcomes or defend your faith through arguments. Instead, focus on how you can testify through your actions and attitude. When faced with stress, uncertainty, or even persecution, ask yourself: "How can I reflect God's love in this situation?"

Questions for reflection:

1. Am I trying to chase after quick solutions instead of trusting in God's presence with me today?

2. How am I allowing fear to write my story instead of faith?

3. In what areas of my life am I trying to fight battles that I should let God handle?

4. How can my response to current challenges serve as a testimony to others about God's faithfulness?