I'm still dealing with computer problems and erratic internet coverage, so here is Pastor Karen's post from the Ebenezer page:
Good morning!
“The end of the world is coming!”
Since ancient times, there have been false prophets who point to “signs” that Jesus’ return is imminent. Wars, unusual weather patterns and seismic events are just a few “signs” that false prophets say are “proof” of the end of the age.
The Bible warns us not to listen to people who claim to have inside knowledge about the end of the world. Only God knows His plans for heaven and earth and all those He created!
But still, every now and then, we see those billboards go up, warning us of some new date that will really be the end, this time. Get right with God, before it is too late!
And it’s not bad to be curious about God’s plans and how the “end” will play out. We should be thinking about the things of God! Our faith leads us to consider what we know to be true and try to imagine what it will be like when Jesus comes again to take us, in our resurrected bodies, to the place he has prepared for us to live with Him.
Even the disciples wanted inside knowledge of the big event. And Jesus did not scold them for their questions. He explained to them what some of the signs of His imminent return would be—and what were not necessarily signs that He was on His way.
In today’s gospel reading in Matthew, Jesus was:
“sitting on the Mount of Olives, (when) the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’
“And Jesus answered them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Messiah!” and they will lead many astray.
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth pangs.”
Turn on the news and you will be convinced that our world is experiencing the beginning of the birth pangs. But don’t be taken in by anyone who tells you they know when Jesus is coming back. They can’t possibly know!
Tell them what you know from reading the Bible—that Jesus will return soon. And you are not frightened by that knowledge. It gives you comfort. Because you are ready.
You live every day as if it is the day of the Lord’s return. You seek what God requires of you and then you ask God to help you obey. The Spirit is preparing your heart and mind for that moment when you see your Savior, face to face.
And hear those words you long to hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Prayer: Creator God, thank you for having a plan for the salvation of the world—and for making a place in our hearts and minds where your Spirit has come to dwell, preparing us for what lies ahead. Give us faith to live each day as if it is our last—making the most of the time so that you are glorified continually by what we say and do. Forgive us when we are taken in by false prophets—or when we are fearful or even doubtful of Your return. Teach us to trust in You and receive your loving gift of eternal life, without fear. Give us courage to share the Good News with others. Reassure us that what Christ has done for us on the cross is sufficient for our salvation and the removal of all our sins. And no one can take that away from us. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Today’s readings are Deuteronomy 3:18-28; Romans 9:19-33; Matthew 24:1-14; and Psalm 18:1-20.
Blessings in Christ!
Pastor Karen
Good morning!
“The end of the world is coming!”
Since ancient times, there have been false prophets who point to “signs” that Jesus’ return is imminent. Wars, unusual weather patterns and seismic events are just a few “signs” that false prophets say are “proof” of the end of the age.
The Bible warns us not to listen to people who claim to have inside knowledge about the end of the world. Only God knows His plans for heaven and earth and all those He created!
But still, every now and then, we see those billboards go up, warning us of some new date that will really be the end, this time. Get right with God, before it is too late!
And it’s not bad to be curious about God’s plans and how the “end” will play out. We should be thinking about the things of God! Our faith leads us to consider what we know to be true and try to imagine what it will be like when Jesus comes again to take us, in our resurrected bodies, to the place he has prepared for us to live with Him.
Even the disciples wanted inside knowledge of the big event. And Jesus did not scold them for their questions. He explained to them what some of the signs of His imminent return would be—and what were not necessarily signs that He was on His way.
In today’s gospel reading in Matthew, Jesus was:
“sitting on the Mount of Olives, (when) the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’
“And Jesus answered them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Messiah!” and they will lead many astray.
“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet.
“For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth pangs.”
Turn on the news and you will be convinced that our world is experiencing the beginning of the birth pangs. But don’t be taken in by anyone who tells you they know when Jesus is coming back. They can’t possibly know!
Tell them what you know from reading the Bible—that Jesus will return soon. And you are not frightened by that knowledge. It gives you comfort. Because you are ready.
You live every day as if it is the day of the Lord’s return. You seek what God requires of you and then you ask God to help you obey. The Spirit is preparing your heart and mind for that moment when you see your Savior, face to face.
And hear those words you long to hear:
“Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Prayer: Creator God, thank you for having a plan for the salvation of the world—and for making a place in our hearts and minds where your Spirit has come to dwell, preparing us for what lies ahead. Give us faith to live each day as if it is our last—making the most of the time so that you are glorified continually by what we say and do. Forgive us when we are taken in by false prophets—or when we are fearful or even doubtful of Your return. Teach us to trust in You and receive your loving gift of eternal life, without fear. Give us courage to share the Good News with others. Reassure us that what Christ has done for us on the cross is sufficient for our salvation and the removal of all our sins. And no one can take that away from us. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Today’s readings are Deuteronomy 3:18-28; Romans 9:19-33; Matthew 24:1-14; and Psalm 18:1-20.
Blessings in Christ!
Pastor Karen
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