Matthew 24:36-44 Be Prepared for Christ’s Return

The central theme of the reading from Matthew 24:36-44 is promise. Jesus promises that when he returns he will gather his people. We don’t need to be afraid of the Great Tribulation or the Battle of Armageddon. Jesus will be with us. He will protect us.

No one knows when He will return to set up His kingdom. Periodically someone will claim to have discovered a secret that indicates the date of Christ’s return, but such claims are not true. Jesus will return when we least expect it. Christians who are expecting His return will know it will be a great day. When He returns, we will have to give an account of how we lived for Him. If we are faithful and wise servants we will be ready. Jesus will see us doing His will when He returns.

Jesus can’t make it any plainer. Even he doesn’t know the exact date and time of his return. At first glance this doesn’t make any sense because Jesus was fully God even though he was also fully human. While Jesus was on earth he learned things the same way other humans learned them. Because he was fully God at the same time, he had infinite knowledge, so how could he have not known the date and time of his return? One possibility is that he regularly lived on the basis of his human knowledge, but he could call to mind anything from his infinite knowledge.

The idea the Jesus will come like a thief in the night is found in multiple places in Scripture such as Luke 12:39, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10, Revelation 3:3 and Revelation 16:15. We must keep looking for Christ’s return, but we must also continue to spread the Good News. We must always be prepared because he could return at any time. 

Some may wonder why Christ hasn’t returned yet. One possible reason is that he might be waiting until the affairs of the world are so messed up that waiting any longer won’t make a difference. This supports the fact that the Battle of Armageddon has to take place before Christ returns. Some people say that we are getting closer to the end of the world because of all the wars and natural disasters that are taking place in the world today.

Another sign that we are getting close to the time of Christ’s return is the falling away from the faith. Church attendance is declining. Some clergy even stand in the pulpit and deny the virgin birth and Jesus’ resurrection.

It isn’t easy for us to wait for anything, and our modern society doesn’t help. With all of our time saving devices such as microwave ovens and cell phones, we are used to getting things almost immediately. We forget to stop and look. We forget to let God interrupt our plans so that we can see Jesus. 

God reveals enough about the future to give us hope, but not so much that we do not have to live and walk by faith every day. We have His assurance about our future with Him. He will bring justice and hope to our hurting would. 

Jesus said that people won’t notice His return when it happens. While it is true that the event will be reported by the media thanks to our 24-hour news channels, that does not mean that people will be paying attention. After all, how many of us pay attention to every news story on radio or TV or in the newspaper? People will keep on doing things as they have always done. They won’t realize that things will change because of Jesus’ return. It’s important that we must always be ready for Christ’s return. We don’t  want Him to catch us by surprise.

The end will be unexpected. God will come into the ordinary events of our lives. His coming will cause a great separation between believers and non-believers. He doesn’t want us to have a “ho-hum” attitude about his return, but he doesn’t want us to be afraid of it either.

When Jesus returns, will we recognize him? The only way to know for certain is to get lots of practice doing what he wants us to do. In other words, we are to show his love to a hurting world be serving the less fortunate. This means feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked and visiting the prisoner. These will be credited to us as if we had done them for Christ. While we are waiting for Christ to return, we are to witness to unbelievers and warn them about Christ’s judgment. We are to share God’s love and plan for salvation.

Bibliography

1.                  Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1325-1326)

2.                  ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3.                  Augsberger, M. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 24: Matthew (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983)

4.                  MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN; Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

5.                  Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)

6.                  Lucado, M.: The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson; 2010; pp.1339-1340)

7.                  Richard Inness, “Vivid Warning Signs.” Retrieved from www.actsweb.org

8.                  Michael Youssef, Ph.D., “Like a Thief.” Retrieved from www.leadingtheway.org

9.                  Dr. Harold Sala, “Prophecies and the Lord’s Return, 2.” Retrieved from www.guidelines.org

10.              Exegesis for Matthew 24:36-44. Retrieved from www.sermonwriter.com

11.              Michael Youssef, Ph.D., “Until He Returns.” Retrieved from www.leadingtheway.org

12.              David Lose, “A Sure and Certain Promise.” Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org

13.              Rick Morley, “Like a Thief.” Retrieved from www.rickmorley.com

14.              Sarah Dylan Breuer, “First Sunday of Advent, Year A.” retrieved from www.sarahlaughed.org

15.              Ben Witherington, “Commentary on Matthew 24:36-44.” Retrieved from www.workingpreacher.org

 

 

 

1 Corinthians 3:10-23 Our Firm Foundation

Every building has a firm foundation. Without it, the building would fall down. Similarly, our faith has to have a firm foundation. That foundation is Jesus. Anything else will fail-even the church.

The first reason that churches fail is because they violate their commitment to Jesus Christ as their foundation. Churches must be built on Christ; then a community of believers can glorify Him through social justice or outreach or service. To establish a church on any other foundation-even one compromised of seemingly virtuous causes-will not succeed.

Wood, hay and straw will decay. God, silver and precious stones are permanent. The framework of the church must be carefully chosen for endurance. God only uses quality materials such as gold, silver and precious stones. These represent dedicated, spiritual service in building the church. Too many people build the foundations of their lives on material that will decay. They build their lives on worldly ways and worldly things. The only foundation that will last is the foundation of Jesus Christ. When we trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts. He will be in us and with us forever. We are significant because God lives in us.

If we want God to live in us, we need a daily dose of disciplined faith. That includes setting aside time every day to pray and study the Bible. These habits will go a long way to achieving spiritual health. Our reward for an earnest faith is a deep hunger to know God.  

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 that the Day of Judgment will declare the validity of each person’s work. This is not the Great White Throne judgment where Jesus will condemn unbelievers. It is the Judgment Seat of Christ, where believers will be evaluated. The phrase, “test each one’s work” means that God will see His children as they really are-all their motivations, desires and reasons for serving Him. The work that Christians do in true faith and obedience to God will survive and be rewarded. Work done in the power of the flesh or in disobedience to the Scriptures will not. A sinner who lives a good life is still a sinner. God needs people who see themselves as sinners and Him as a God who saves. He wants people to ask for mercy.

There are no limits to our possessions in Christ. Pastors and teachers are fellow servants ministering the things of God. It’s foolish to fight over an Apollos versus a Paul versus a Peter when they, like every member within the church, are part of God’s purpose for the body of Christ.

What we do on earth will affect our eternal destiny. If we let our lives and our words be witnesses to the lost, we will build up rewards in heaven. Believers will be given rewards based on the quality of their service. Notice that it is not their service that saves. Both the rewarded believer and the believer who suffers loss are saved. Works can never earn salvation. Faithfulness in service, however, will earn the right to give God even greater glory as the faithful lay their rewards at His feet. God will reward us with heavenly responsibilities according to how faithful we have been here on earth. If we use the best resources to the best of our ability, we will receive all of the goodness He offers. 

Sometimes we may ask ourselves what God is thinking or what He wants us to do. We can know His thoughts and His will. All we have to do is forget about our earthly ways and learn His principles for living our lives. Worldly ways are the exact opposite of God’s ways. If we study God’s Word we can see God’s message and His method. We will see how he works in the lives of His people.

Anyone who tries to stop God’s work is not part of God’s family and will be destroyed, just like God destroyed all of Israel’s enemies. It is one thing to disagree if one’s desire is what is best for a community of believers. Those who are motivated to block or ruin what God wants to do are sinning. This is what happened to the church in Corinth.

The Corinthians knew that they belonged to God and not to the person who led them to Christ. The person was only doing God’s work. They should only boast in God. The source of real unity among us is the fact that we are all servants of the same master. We are all products of God’s grace, which is the source of our Christian unity.

Bibliography

1.                  Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1577-1578)

2.                  Chafin, K.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary series, Vol. 30: 1,2 Corinthians (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1985; pp. 51-56)

3.                  ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

4.                  MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study bible, New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN; Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006)

5.                  Dr. Charles Stanley, “Choosing the Right Building Material.” Retrieved from www.intouch.org

6.                  Anne Graham Lotz, “Our One Foundation.” Retrieved from www.angelministries.org

7.                  Ron Moore, “The Spirit Lives in Me.” Retrieved from www.ronmoore.org

8.                  Ed Young, “Invest in Your Future.” Retrieved from www.edyoung.com

9.                  Pastor Ken Klaus, “The Word for the New year.” Retrieved from www.lhm.org

 

Luke 23:35-38 A Backward Kind of King

Today I am going to tell you a story about a king. As you know, a king usually wears a crown made of gold, silver, and precious jewels. The king in our story wore a different kind of crown. Listen as I tell you the story of "King Backward."

Once upon a time, a long time ago, there lived a King. He was no ordinary king. He was different from other kings because He did everything backwards from the way other kings did them. From the very day he was born, you could tell that this king was going to be different. Most kings are usually born in a palace, but this king was born in a stable surrounded by donkeys, sheep and cows. It wasn't a very big beginning for a king. In fact, very few people even knew that a king had been born. Only a handful of shepherds and three wise men got the word that a king had been born.

As the infant king grew into a man, he continued to be different from other kings. While most kings spent all of their time building up riches of silver, gold, and jewels, this king owned nothing at all. And while most kings surrounded themselves with servants, He chose to be a servant. He could often be found helping others.

As time went on, people became very unhappy with their King because He just didn't act the way that they thought a king should act. Instead of riding into town on a big white horse the way other kings usually did, their king rode into town on the back of a donkey. Was that any way for a king to act?

And the people He chose to be his friends! His closest friends were a bunch of smelly fishermen and He could often be seen visiting with the poor and eating with sinners.

Finally the people decided that they had put up with this King long enough. If He couldn't act the way a king should act, then they didn't want Him to be their king any more. They made a plan to have Him arrested and thrown into prison.

Their plan worked. When the day came for his trial, the King stood before the people. Instead of shouting "Hail to the King, Long live the King!" they shouted, "Crucify Him! He is not our king! Crucify Him!." So they crucified the King. They nailed Him to a cross; they put a crown made of thorns on his head; they poked Him with sharp sticks and made fun of Him. What a way for a king to die! After He was crucified, they took His body and put it in a borrowed tomb.

Wait, that isn't the end of the story. Remember ... this King was different! King Backward rose from the grave to live forever. Now, instead of being the Backward King, He is the Forever King. He is the King to anyone who chooses Him to be their King. Oh, there are still some people who call Him "King Backward," but those who know Him don't call Him that ... they call him King Jesus!

Jesus wants to be your king too, and if you choose Him to be your King, you will live happily forever, and forever after!

Dear Jesus, today we crown you King and Lord of our life. Amen.

Bibliography

1.      “Christ the King Backward.” Retrieved from www.sermons4kids.com

 

Luke 19:41-44 Weeping for Jerusalem

In the reading we heard from Luke 19:41-44a few minutes ago, Jesus wept. Does that surprise you? After all, Jesus and God are one in the same. Well, it’s not really a surprise because Jesus was also human, so he had human needs and emotions, including sorrow. This was not the first time he wept. He wept shortly before he raised his friend Lazarus from the dead.

In this passage from Luke, we heard how Jesus wept over the future of Jerusalem and the Jewish people. Jesus also wept because He knew the real tragedy of the moment. He had just entered Jerusalem in triumph. He knew this moment of glory would not last. He knew that the joyous reaction of the crowds was superficial and would not last. He knew that the city would be destroyed, and indeed it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Jerusalem’s destruction was God’s judgment for their failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

The rejection of Jesus by the Jews was predicted in the Old Testament, but Jesus was still saddened by their rejection. This likely reflected God’s heart as he thought about how the Jews rejected His prophets. Jesus was also thinking about His Second Coming and the coming of the kingdom. The things that make for peace were the things that would lead the Jews to salvation. Because they did not realize that Jesus was the long-promised Messiah, they did not realize the way to salvation.

Ironically, Jerusalem means “City of Peace.” Jesus wept because of the great privileges that were being abused. He wept because of the great possibilities that were rejected. He also wept because of the great punishment he knew was coming on the city and the people. Jerusalem had abandoned its faith, rejected the Messiah, and would be laid to waste with terrible judgment. This was their day opportunity. Jesus made himself available to them, but they nailed Him to the cross.

From the time of David onward, Jerusalem was the centre of Israel and of her religion. But as Jesus looked at it, the temple was no longer a place of glory, holiness, and wonder but a picture of the terrible decay in the Jewish religious system. 

Jerusalem represents all of our hometowns. Have you ever wept or shown concern for your own hometowns? We could weep for our neighbours who don’s know how to have the peace of Christ. They don’t know the cure for the loneliness that results in destructive patterns. If we knew the heartbreak in our hometowns, we would weep too. Every city and town can be blessed with Jesus’ presence, but the leaders must invite Jesus into the city or town before God’s peace can be experienced.

In some ways, we are like the Jews. Do we realize it when God does somethings special in our midst? How many people in the world today know God, even though God created the world around us? How many people know God even though the Bible reveals His plan for our lives?

Bibliography

1.                  Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1494)

2.                  ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3.                  Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983; pp. 290-294)

4.                  MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

5.                  Stanley, C.F: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville, TN; Nelson Bibles; 2005)

6.                  Don Ruhl, “Why Did Jesus Fade in Glory?” Retrieved from comment-reply@wordpress.com

7.                  Os Hillman, “Jesus Wept for the City.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com

 

 

Luke 19:41-44 Weeping for Jerusalem

In the reading we heard from Luke 19:41-44a few minutes ago, Jesus wept. Does that surprise you? After all, Jesus and God are one in the same. Well, it’s not really a surprise because Jesus was also human, so he had human needs and emotions, including sorrow. This was not the first time he wept. He wept shortly before he raised his friend Lazarus from the dead.

In this passage from Luke, we heard how Jesus wept over the future of Jerusalem and the Jewish people. Jesus also wept because He knew the real tragedy of the moment. He had just entered Jerusalem in triumph. He knew this moment of glory would not last. He knew that the joyous reaction of the crowds was superficial and would not last. He knew that the city would be destroyed, and indeed it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Jerusalem’s destruction was God’s judgment for their failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

The rejection of Jesus by the Jews was predicted in the Old Testament, but Jesus was still saddened by their rejection. This likely reflected God’s heart as he thought about how the Jews rejected His prophets. Jesus was also thinking about His Second Coming and the coming of the kingdom. The things that make for peace were the things that would lead the Jews to salvation. Because they did not realize that Jesus was the long-promised Messiah, they did not realize the way to salvation.

Ironically, Jerusalem means “City of Peace.” Jesus wept because of the great privileges that were being abused. He wept because of the great possibilities that were rejected. He also wept because of the great punishment he knew was coming on the city and the people. Jerusalem had abandoned its faith, rejected the Messiah, and would be laid to waste with terrible judgment. This was their day opportunity. Jesus made himself available to them, but they nailed Him to the cross.

From the time of David onward, Jerusalem was the centre of Israel and of her religion. But as Jesus looked at it, the temple was no longer a place of glory, holiness, and wonder but a picture of the terrible decay in the Jewish religious system. 

Jerusalem represents all of our hometowns. Have you ever wept or shown concern for your own hometowns? We could weep for our neighbours who don’s know how to have the peace of Christ. They don’t know the cure for the loneliness that results in destructive patterns. If we knew the heartbreak in our hometowns, we would weep too. Every city and town can be blessed with Jesus’ presence, but the leaders must invite Jesus into the city or town before God’s peace can be experienced.

In some ways, we are like the Jews. Do we realize it when God does somethings special in our midst? How many people in the world today know God, even though God created the world around us? How many people know God even though the Bible reveals His plan for our lives?

Bibliography

1.                  Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; p. 1494)

2.                  ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3.                  Larsen, B. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 26: Luke (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1983; pp. 290-294)

4.                  MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

5.                  Stanley, C.F: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville, TN; Nelson Bibles; 2005)

6.                  Don Ruhl, “Why Did Jesus Fade in Glory?” Retrieved from comment-reply@wordpress.com

7.                  Os Hillman, “Jesus Wept for the City.” Retrieved from Christianity.com@crosswalkmail.com

 

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5,13-17 Christ, Our Firm Foundation

Every house has a firm foundation. Without it, the house would quickly fall down. Similarly, our faith has a firm foundation-Jesus Christ. That foundation can never be shaken.

The word “Shaken” is sometimes used to describe what happens to a home’s foundations in an earthquake. It can also describe what happens to weak faith when trouble comes. Believers in Thessalonica were alarmed because they mistakenly believed they had missed the rapture and were living in the Tribulation-a rumour they were more prone to believe because they were being persecuted. This false teaching had come to them either by a fraudulent revelation, a false report, or a forged letter bearing Paul’s name. Paul spent some time correcting this error.

The Day of the Lord doesn’t describe a literal 24-hour period but was prophesied by the Old Testament prophets as a time when God would visit the earth to judge the wicked and to save His people. In the New Testament, this event includes the Tribulation, the Second Coming, the millennium and the final judgment. Paul assumed that the arrival of the Day of the Lord and the Second Coming would occur at the same time as part of a single event. Paul wanted to help the Thessalonians gain a long-term perspective on their suffering. He assured them of God’s eternal plan, that he loved them, chose them, saved them, sanctified them, called them and has invited them to share in Christ’s glory.  

Paul wanted to encourage the Thessalonians to stand firm in their faith. Paul assured them that the Day of the Lord and the Tribulation have not yet come. As proof, he mentioned certain things that must precede these events following the Rapture of the church. First, the truth of God’s word will be rejected. There will be a specific walking away from the truth people once believed. Second, just before Christ returns the Antichrist will be released and revealed. The Greek word for “revealed” also means “uncovered” or “unveiled.” It is the same word that described the revelation of Jesus. The Antichrist will in some ways imitate Christ, even as he opposes Him. The Antichrist doesn’t want any rivals. He will insist that he is God. The man of sin will sit as God in the temple of God and falsely declare himself to be the only one worthy of the world’s worship. This is another event that will happen before the Great Tribulation.

The “falling away” from God’s Word has started already. Church attendance is dwindling. There is increased opposition to Christianity in the world. Terrorism and wars are on the rise. At times like these, we need to look not to the world and its solutions but to Christ. These are signs that Christ’s return is near. We don’t know the exact date, but we can take comfort in the knowledge that Christ will soon make things right.

The Greek word for “chose” is used nowhere else in the New Testament. It means “to select for oneself” with the intent to enjoy it after it becomes yours. God chose His people before the foundation of the world; they could not possibly choose him unless he had chosen them first.

Being chosen by God is a call to responsibility. God has chosen us as his first fruits so that we can tell everyone we know about His love and saving grace. We will face ridicule, rejection and opposition like Jesus did, but we are to stand fast. We can do this because God will support, strengthen and encourage us. He loves us, consoles us and gives us hope because of His grace. 

Christians don’t have to be worried about the Second Coming. We can be confident and encouraged because we have been sanctified and chosen to be saved by the Holy Spirit. There is no room for pride in our efforts to improve the world, and there’s also no room for despair at the state of the world around us.  It’s important that we hold on to Christ’s teachings. They have been tried and tested and found to be true. Just like these teachings have withstood the test of time, God’s love has stood the test of time. Just like these teachings have transcended history, God’s love is infinite and eternal.

Because God has done so much for them, His people are urged to stand fast and hold tightly to the truth that they have been taught. They might not understand everything that is happening, but they can be confident in the resources God as provided from eternity past to eternity future. The word “traditions” does not refer to human institutions such as worship styles or musical preferences which will change with the times but the doctrinal teachings that originated with God and were taught by Paul and the other apostles. These must never change. Everything we do must be based on the lordship of Christ and the authority of the Bible. His standards must be our standards.

Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians in verses 16 and 17 provided them with an eternal perspective on the persecution they were facing. These verses focus on God’s love and grace in Christ. He wants then not just to know and protect the truth but to practice it, comforted, stabilized and ethical in every good word and work. Knowing and practicing the Word of God strengthens our Christian walk and spirit. God’s grace and love encourage and strengthen us in every good deed and word. If we want to grow close to God, we have to forgive our enemies, encourage others and pray daily. This is hard work, and at times we will be discouraged, but it will be worth it in the end.

Bibliography

1.                  Jeremiah, David: The Jeremiah Study Bible, New King James Version (Brentwood, TN: Worthy Publishing; 2013; pp. 1693-1696)

2.                  ESV Study Bible. Part of Wordsearch 11 Bible software package.

3.                  Demarest, G.W. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Vol. 32: 1,2 Thessalonians/1,2 Timothy/Titus (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1984; pp. 127-133)

4.                  MacArthur, J.F. Jr.: The MacArthur Study Bible, New American Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers; 2006)

5.                  Stanley, C.F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, New King James Version (Nashville, TN: Nelson Bibles; 2005)

6.                  Ryan Duncan, “A Spiritual Workout.” Retrieved from Crosswalk@crosswalkmail.com

7.                  Ed Young, “Consistency Over Culture.” Retrieved from www.edyoung.com

8.                  T.M. Moore, “Word and Deed.” Retrieved from www.ailbe.org

9.                  Mariam Kamell, “Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5,13-17.” Retrieved from http://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=1847