Keeping Your Focus in Times of Frenzy, Fray, Frustration, and Filth by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

2 Timothy 4:1- I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; In PART ONE of this series, Paul provides us insights that will help us when life becomes a blur and filled with frenzy, fray, frustration, and filth. He shows us how to keep our focus on the Lord who is our source of strength and serenity when life gets crazy. In verse one we see that we are to focus on the Pronouncements to Come. Paul was looking forward to the appearance of the Lord in his day. It helped him to stay focused on serving the Lord and it will do the same for us. He looked forward to his time of judgment before Christ. * 2 Timothy 4:7-8... I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. We now are 2000 years closer to the coming of Jesus at the Rapture where we will meet the Lord in the air. Looking forward to his appearance for us is a catalyst for consecration, commitment, and cleanliness in the life of the dedicated Christian who can't wait until Jesus comes for him or her. * 1 John 3:2-3...Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. * Philippians 4:5 — Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Throughout history, among the ships that have been found adrift and deserted for no apparent reason, the most mysterious was the abandoned schooner discovered near the Sargasso Sea in 1881 by the Ellen Austin, an American vessel. Everything was in order on the empty ship. Only the captain's logbook and the nameplate were missing. Nothing else was missing and there were no visible signs of a struggle. Soon after, a crew from the Ellen Austin had been put aboard and the two ships had started for port. A storm, however, separated them. When the schooner was located a few hours later, she was again deserted. Another crew was finally persuaded to go aboard and another storm once more separated the vessels. The schooner and the men were never seen or heard of again. So it will be when Jesus comes for us at the Rapture. We will disappear from this world. It will be a mystery to those who remain behind and go through the Tribulation. That disappearance could take place today in the twinkling of an eye. Are you ready? This message was preached on Sunday morning, May 18, 2025, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.