Easter reminds us that even when the world feels uncertain, our hope is secure in Jesus. In Matthew 24, the disciples ask Jesus about the end of the world. They want to know what to look for so they can be ready. Jesus tells them there will be deception, conflict, disasters, and instability.

However, the bigger issue isn’t just what’s happening around us. It’s what’s happening within us. “The love of many will grow cold.” That doesn’t happen all at once. It happens slowly.

Key Takeaway

Come to Jesus and stay with Jesus.

Through distraction, deception, guilt, or trying to figure life out on our own, we drift. Our love for God cools, and eventually our love for others and even ourselves follows. There’s no neutral. We’re either moving closer to Jesus or drifting away from him. So what’s the plan to survive, not just the end of the world, but the hard things we face now? Jesus gives a simple answer: endure. Stay with Him.

The good news of Easter is what makes that possible. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Because of him, we’re forgiven, not forgotten, and promised eternal life. That’s what we hold onto.

Staying with Jesus takes intention. We gather to be reminded of what’s true, connect so we’re not doing life alone, and serve so we live out who God created us to be. These aren’t what save us, but they keep us close to the one who does. You don’t need a better plan. Stay with Jesus.

Pray

Prayer is our time to talk to God. Let this prayer inspire your conversations with God this week.

Dear Father, our hope in the midst of uncertain times remains in you. There is no other God like you, who offers the assurance you have by sending your Son to pay the debt for our sins.

We admit that we lose focus at times, and our love can grow cold. God, we ask that you help us endure by staying close to you.

Thank you for the hope we have through the miracle of Easter. When we get distracted by what’s happening around us, remind us to stay near to you. Thank you for all that you have done for us. For it’s in Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and praise God for his forgiveness.

• Can’t Help But Praise by Jordan Colle
• Mighty Name of Jesus by Hope Darst
• Make Way by Covenant Worship

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

• Read Matthew 24:4-14
• Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
• Read Hold On Bible Plan
• Watch – Bible Project’s Matthew 14-28 Overview
• Listen – Matthew from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your Slot and Spot/discussions with others.

This weekend Pastor Mark reminded us that, through Christ, we are forgiven and not forgotten. What does it mean to you to be “forgiven, not forgotten”?

• How does this truth impact your peace when everything and everyone around you is telling you to panic?
• When you think about your walk with Jesus, what are some of the ways that he has reminded you that you’re not forgotten?

How does the model of “Gather, Connect, & Serve” relate to “Staying with Jesus”?

• What next step do you feel God calling you to take to intentionally stay with him? What is one thing you could do this week to move closer to that step?

How does enduring in faith differ from simply surviving difficult times?

• What are some things that help you to stay close to God and strong in your faith, even when the chaos of this world is pulling you away?
• Who is someone in your life whose faith you admire? What can you learn from their example?

Based on Matthew 24:13, “but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved”, how could learning about Jesus’s message of hope, forgiveness, and community help you navigate uncertainty and find purpose in life?

Next Steps

Staying with Jesus changes us into people who can go through anything and still have joy. You can live that out in three different environments here at The Journey:

• Gather – Gather with us next weekend and join us for our new series The Gap.
• Connect – Surround yourself with others who will walk with you in your faith Journey. Learn more about joining a J-Group.
• Serve – Use your gifts to serve others. Join us for Plugged In to find your place and part in our community of faith.