Culto del 15 de Febrero de 2026
Worship and Adoration in the House of God
The Nature of God
- The worship begins with a declaration of God's glory and power, emphasizing His sovereignty and mercy as the ultimate source of salvation.
- Acknowledges God's authority over nature, illustrating His omnipotence by stating that even the winds obey Him, highlighting His unique position as the one who conquers death and sin.
- Jesus is exalted above all names; He is presented as the only source of salvation, reinforcing the theme that no one compares to Him.
Invitation to Worship
- The speaker invites attendees to participate actively in worship through singing, praying, reading scripture, and listening to messages. Emphasizes that worship is for God rather than personal enjoyment.
- A prayer is offered to guide worshippers in their adoration towards God’s will, seeking grace and wisdom during this time together.
Reading from Scripture
- Psalm 147 is read aloud, celebrating the goodness of singing praises to God. It highlights His greatness and infinite understanding.
- Encourages congregants to express gratitude through song while acknowledging God's majesty.
Celebration in the House of God
- Invites everyone to come together in celebration within God's house, emphasizing joy and community through shared love for God.
- Reiterates themes of obedience and love as offerings made within God's house.
Affirmation of God's Eternal Love
- Proclaims that God's love endures forever; this refrain serves as a reminder of His unwavering faithfulness throughout life’s journey.
- Reflecting on divine attributes such as justice and holiness while recognizing grace's transformative power in believers' lives.
Conclusion: Exaltation of God
- Concludes with an affirmation that God has been exalted eternally before all creation. This statement encapsulates the overarching theme of reverence towards God across generations.
- Highlights how believers are called from death into eternal life through Christ's sacrifice, underscoring themes of redemption and hope.
Adoration and Hope in Christ
Reading from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
- The congregation is invited to read the scripture alternately, emphasizing the importance of God's word.
- The passage reassures believers about those who have died, stating they should not grieve like those without hope. It affirms faith in Jesus' resurrection.
- It describes the second coming of Christ, where the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers being caught up with them. This offers comfort and encouragement to one another.
Importance of Repentance
- Growth in Christian life is linked to repentance and embracing what Jesus has done for humanity. David's plea for examination by God highlights self-reflection as crucial for spiritual growth.
- Singing Psalm 51 serves as a means of worship through confession and repentance, acknowledging sinfulness and seeking forgiveness from God.
Prayer of Confession
- A collective prayer emphasizes God's holiness, grace, mercy, and love while confessing reliance on worldly wisdom over divine guidance. The community seeks restoration and forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice rather than their own works.
- The prayer acknowledges feelings of lostness due to rebellion against God’s wisdom but expresses trust in His willingness to forgive when approached sincerely.
Assurance of Salvation
- Reference to Acts 10:43 reinforces that belief in Christ leads to forgiveness of sins; this assurance encourages joy in salvation among believers.
- An invitation is made for congregants to stand and sing about freedom found in Christ, celebrating liberation from sin's chains through grace. This reflects a communal affirmation of faith and joyfulness in salvation experiences.
Empathy of Christ
- Hebrews 4:15–16 highlights Jesus’ empathy as He experienced temptation yet remained sinless; this understanding allows believers to approach Him confidently for mercy during times of need.
- Believers are encouraged not to present themselves as strong before God but rather acknowledge their weaknesses knowing that He understands their struggles deeply. This fosters a relationship built on honesty with God’s grace available at all times.
Hope in a Crumbling World
Understanding Christ's Empathy and Our Approach to God
- Jesus lived a life of obedience out of love, facing daily challenges such as misunderstanding, betrayal, fatigue, hunger, and the death of his earthly father.
- His understanding allows us to approach God with confidence; He never sinned and serves as our Savior who comprehends our struggles.
- We are encouraged to present our worries before God, trusting that He will take care of them as our loving Father.
- Acknowledging God's will over our own is essential; His plans for us are better than we can imagine.
- We should be open to transformation through both good and challenging experiences in life.
Prayer for Healing and Community Support
- A prayer is offered for Yolanda Monroy, who faces heart issues; the importance of resting in God's love amidst fear is emphasized.
- The speaker prays for church members suffering from illnesses like influenza, asking for healing according to God's will.
- There’s an appeal for strength during sickness and a reminder not to waste opportunities for growth during difficult times.
Intercession for National Leadership
- A call for mercy upon the country and its leaders is made, highlighting the need for spiritual guidance among those in authority.
- The speaker urges believers to share the gospel with leaders so they may recognize their need for repentance and truth.
Worship Through Giving
- Transitioning into worship through tithes and offerings reflects gratitude towards God’s provisions despite unworthiness.
- Reference is made to Malachi 3:10 about bringing tithes into the storehouse as an act of faith that invites blessings from heaven.
Children's Ministry Appreciation
- Gratitude is expressed towards children in the church community along with their teachers who guide them in learning about God.
Introduction to Scripture Study
- The congregation is invited to turn their Bibles to Matthew 24 as part of a series on the Gospel according to Matthew titled "Hope in a Crumbling World."
The Prophecies of Jesus: Understanding the End Times
The Destruction of the Temple
- Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, stating that "not one stone will be left on another," indicating a significant upheaval.
- His disciples inquire about the timing and signs of His coming and the end of the world, highlighting their concern for future events.
Signs of the End Times
- Jesus warns that many will come in His name claiming to be Christ, leading many astray; He emphasizes not to panic over wars and rumors as these are just beginnings.
- He describes a time when believers will face persecution, betrayal, and hatred from all nations due to His name.
The Great Tribulation
- A warning is given regarding a great tribulation unprecedented in history; those in Judea are advised to flee without delay.
- Jesus stresses that if those days were not shortened for the sake of the elect, no one would survive.
False Prophets and Deception
- He cautions against believing false Christs and prophets who perform great signs to deceive even the chosen ones.
- The return of the Son of Man will be unmistakable, like lightning across the sky; this serves as reassurance amidst chaos.
The Coming Judgment
- After tribulations, cosmic disturbances will occur; people will see Jesus coming with power and glory.
- A lesson from nature is provided: just as leaves signal summer's approach, so too do these signs indicate that His return is near.
Assurance in God's Word
- Jesus assures that while heaven and earth may pass away, His words remain eternal. This underscores faithfulness amid uncertainty.
Reflection on Identity and Security
- An analogy is drawn comparing beautiful structures to personal security; losing what gives identity can evoke fear.
- The emotional response to potential loss reflects how deeply rooted one's identity can be in physical structures or beliefs.
Understanding Security and Hope in Uncertain Times
The Nature of Security
- The speaker discusses the instinctual reaction of children to seek comfort from their parents when feeling scared, highlighting that parental figures provide a sense of security.
- A question is posed about what gives individuals security and the fear associated with losing it, setting the stage for deeper exploration into hope amidst uncertainty.
Jesus' Last Public Discourse
- Reference is made to Matthew 24 as Jesus' final public address, emphasizing its purpose was not to predict the end times or identify the Antichrist.
- The speaker notes that Jesus explicitly states in verse 36 that no one knows the day or hour of His return, urging listeners to stop trying to determine specific dates.
Misinterpretations and Obsessions
- The speaker recounts past miscalculations by individuals like Armando Aldusin who claimed knowledge of specific dates regarding Christ's return, illustrating how such obsessions can lead to significant errors.
- Emphasis is placed on how Matthew 24 should not incite fear or obsession with apocalyptic scenarios but rather offer reassurance.
Finding Hope Amidst Chaos
- The discourse aims to instill hope rather than fear in a world perceived as crumbling; it reassures believers that God fulfills His promises and will establish His kingdom.
- Three sources of hope are identified: warnings from Jesus, recognition of the true Savior's kingdom, and reliance on Jesus' words during personal crises.
Key Warnings from Jesus
- In verse 4, Jesus warns against deception, indicating that awareness is crucial for preparedness. He emphasizes this further in verse 6 by stating he provides these warnings for readiness.
- The importance of understanding questions posed to Jesus about signs and timing is highlighted; they reflect two distinct inquiries regarding the destruction of the temple and His second coming.
Historical Context and Prophecy Fulfillment
- Clarification is provided on historical events related to prophecy fulfillment; specifically, the destruction of Jerusalem's temple occurred in AD 70 under Roman general Titus.
- This event serves as a pivotal moment linking biblical prophecy with historical reality, reinforcing themes discussed earlier regarding vigilance and understanding divine warnings.
Understanding the Signs of the End Times
The Three Classes of Signs
- There are three types of signs regarding the return of Jesus Christ and the end of the world: opposition to God, judgment from God, and grace from God.
- The first sign involves opposition through antichrists and false Christians, indicating a significant tribulation where believers will face persecution for their faith.
Apostasía y Juicio de Dios
- Apostasía refers to individuals who once believed but later reject their faith, claiming that "God does not exist" or similar sentiments. This signifies a visible departure from faith among some people.
- Signs also include God's judgment manifested through wars, famines, and earthquakes as indicators of turmoil on Earth.
Grace Through Evangelism
- The third sign is God's grace represented by the preaching of the Gospel as a testimony to all nations before the end comes. Jesus emphasizes this in His teachings.
Contextualizing Last Times
- The last times began 2,000 years ago with Jesus' ascension and will continue until His second coming; they are not limited to just days or months before His return. This period encompasses all events leading up to His return.
- According to 1 John 2:16 (Reina Valera), we are currently living in these last times, which contradicts common teachings that suggest they only refer to a short time before Christ's return.
Historical References in Prophecy
- In Matthew 24:15–21, Jesus references historical events such as those occurring in AD 70 when Jerusalem faced destruction due to sacrilege described by Daniel (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). Understanding this context is crucial for interpreting prophetic scripture accurately.
Horrible Sacrilege Explained
- The term "horrible sacrilege" relates back to Antiochus Epiphanes' actions in Jerusalem around 178 BC when he desecrated the temple by placing an idol and sacrificing a pig—an act considered deeply offensive by Jews at that time. This foreshadows future desecrations mentioned by Jesus during His ministry.
Future Tribulations Foreseen
- Jesus warns that there will be unprecedented tribulation unlike anything seen before or after it—a statement meant not to instill fear but rather highlight necessary events leading up to fulfillment of prophecy (Matthew 24:6). Understanding this helps frame our perspective on current global issues within biblical prophecy contexts.
Crisis and Faith: Understanding Instability
The Nature of Crisis
- The speaker emphasizes that in a world filled with crises and instability, it is common to witness the rise and fall of governments, particularly in places like Mexico City, where earthquakes and corruption are prevalent.
- The speaker points out that Christians should not fear current global events (e.g., conflicts involving Israel, Palestine, the U.S., and Russia), reminding them that these occurrences are part of a larger divine plan.
Assurance in Turbulent Times
- Jesus Christ reassures believers that while wars, famines, and false prophets will arise, these events are necessary but do not signify the end times; faith should remain steadfast.
- The metaphor of a pregnant woman is introduced to illustrate that discomfort (like crises) can indicate new life or hope rather than abandonment by God.
God's Presence Amidst Chaos
- The speaker asserts that crises signal God's presence rather than His absence. Believers should find comfort in knowing Christ is present during instability.
- A reference to the apostles' experience during a storm highlights Jesus's control over chaos; He calms storms both literally and metaphorically.
Hope Through Christ's Reign
- Despite the world's turmoil, believers can maintain hope because they understand the overarching narrative controlled by God through history.
- Jesus warns about false saviors who will emerge during tumultuous times. These figures may perform signs but ultimately lead people away from true faith.
Seeking Stability: False Saviors
- In challenging times, individuals often seek quick solutions or stability through false saviors due to their appealing nature or spectacular claims.
- People gravitate towards false saviors for immediate gratification or relief from suffering. This desire for autopreservation drives them away from genuine faith.
Tribulation and Divine Intervention
- The speaker notes that tribulations will be shortened for the sake of God's chosen ones. This serves as reassurance amidst ongoing struggles faced by believers globally.
Christian Persecution and Hope Amidst Tribulation
The Reality of Christian Persecution
- More than 3,400 Christians have been killed in Nigeria during a specific period, highlighting the severity of persecution faced by Christians globally.
- While global attention is often focused on conflicts like that between Palestinians and Jews, the plight of persecuted Christians remains underreported.
God's Role in Tribulation
- God sometimes intervenes to shorten periods of tribulation for His people, but this is not always the case; examples include Joseph, Job, and Habakkuk.
- The preservation of life can manifest differently than expected; believers often seek immediate relief from suffering.
Identifying False Prophets
- Jesus warns against false prophets who claim to possess secret knowledge and lead others astray. They often manipulate followers into believing they cannot live without them.
- Historical examples include cults like La Luz del Mundo, which originated in Mexico and continues to deceive many despite evidence against its leaders' integrity.
The Second Coming of Christ
- Jesus will return visibly and powerfully; there will be no doubt about His arrival as He comes with great glory. This contrasts with portrayals of Him coming quietly or secretly.
- Believers are reassured that when Christ returns, it will be a universally acknowledged event facilitated by modern technology allowing everyone to witness it simultaneously.
Hope Through the Gospel
- Jesus emphasizes that the gospel must be preached worldwide before the end comes; this message provides hope amidst chaos and uncertainty in the world.
- Isaiah 55:11 reinforces that God's word will accomplish its purpose; thus, preaching the gospel is essential for hastening Christ's return even if one feels unprepared or fearful about sharing their faith.
The Impact of God's Judgment and Salvation
The Power of Sharing God's Word
- The effectiveness of sharing the word of God does not rely on human ability but on divine power; believers are encouraged to share without fear.
Signs of Christ's First Coming
- During the crucifixion, significant cosmic events occurred, such as the sun being darkened and earthquakes, which align with biblical prophecies about judgment.
Understanding Divine Judgment
- The first coming of Christ involved judgment that fell upon Jesus rather than humanity, fulfilling prophecies from Ezekiel and Joel regarding divine retribution.
The Nature of Salvation in Relation to Judgment
- Believers who accept Jesus will not face judgment during His second coming; instead, those who reject Him will experience it. This emphasizes the importance of repentance.
Consequences for Non-Believers
- Non-believers will lament at Christ's return, seeking death but finding no escape from their fate. Their relationship with Jesus determines their experience at His second coming.
Assurance Through Relationship with Christ
- A personal relationship with Jesus today is crucial; He can be either a savior or a judge based on one's acceptance or rejection of Him.
The Gathering of the Elect
- At His return, Jesus will gather His chosen people from all corners; this highlights the significance of being among the elect mentioned multiple times in Matthew 24.
Certainty in Faith
- Individuals can gain assurance in their salvation today by training themselves to hear God's voice through scripture and prayer.
Stability Amidst Chaos
- In an unstable world filled with crises, believers find stability through Christ’s words. They serve as an anchor amidst life's storms rather than eliminating challenges.
Encouragement to Proclaim Hope
- Believers are urged to focus less on signs and more on proclaiming the gospel truth amid societal turmoil.
Prayer for Strength and Guidance
- A closing prayer expresses gratitude for salvation through Jesus and seeks strength to continue spreading hope until His return.
This structured summary encapsulates key themes discussed in the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific points made during the talk.
Prayer and Worship
Opening Prayer
- The speaker begins with a prayer, invoking God as the creator of heaven and earth, emphasizing His power and authority.
- Acknowledges God's omnipotence, stating that even the winds obey Him, highlighting His ability to raise the dead with just a word.
- The speaker expresses reverence for God as the Almighty and Sovereign, recognizing His mercy and power to save.
- Emphasizes worship towards God who has defeated death and sin, referring to Him as the Glorious Redeemer and King.
- Concludes by acknowledging God's descent from His throne to bear humanity's burdens.