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The subject of eschatology (biblical study of last things) and the issue of Christ's return have been on the mind of the Church since the time of Jesus' ascension. At that time the disciples were asking him, "Is it now that your kingdom will be set up?” Although shrouded in mystery there are some things we can know from the Scriptures.
Jesus will return to the earth as Lord of his covenant people and judge of the world. His coming will not be a quiet, secretive one, but like "lightning that flashes across the sky from the east to the west" in a violent thunderstorm (Matt 24:27).
Toward the very end of time, there will be a large number of Jews who repent and believe in Jesus as their Messiah (Zech 12:10; Romans 11:25–32).
There will come a time when "a man of lawlessness" appears on the scene with intense charisma and evil. He will first charm God's people then persecute them (2 Thess 2; Rev 17).
Before his return, Jesus said there would be troubled times of false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of Christ-followers (Matt 24:4–14). The Lord didn't specify how long this period would last from the time he predicted it.
The great tribulation for the earth is still to come (Matt 24:15–22). The violence and destruction of this world in the time of Jesus' return will be more severe than anything the world has yet experienced (Jer 30:7).
Christ's kingdom will not come through political action, man's good works or even evangelism. The Lord's predetermined will and timing, not any human activity, will bring Jesus' return and the end of this world as we know it.
Do you believe that? Are you ready for that? Are you a Christ-follower? Are you prepared to meet him? Your (our) eternity hinges on belief in Christ as Savior, before the end, before he returns. Do you believe? Have you trusted Christ as your redeemer? For the forgiveness of your sins? Please consider "meeting" him now as Savior instead of then as Judge!
Christian, are you ready to meet your Lord? Are you pinning your hopes on that Day and not on the passing and "nice" things of this world? Why do we live as if this life and world is the "end-all"? What would it look like if we made that Day and eternity our greatest concern? Jesus told us that we can't know when he'll return. That ambiguity and lack of certainty helps develop our faithfulness and form our testimony to Christ.
Maranatha! (Greek for "The Lord is coming", l Cor. 16:22). Even so, come Lord Jesus.
So many times you have heard from me, but today it is time to hear from you. Of course, there is a direction that this is all going ...
Rick Pheneger said: "I have always looked at this as an arm of The Chapel which focuses on outreach to folks from our area in an effort to show people that would not normally attend church, but would come to _______ (fill in the blank if you know), who we are, what we are, and how we love and help others that are often forgotten or broken by life's situations."
What is this about?
Dan and Jill Bahry from the Green Campus began actively participating in their "pre-kids era" because it afforded an opportunity to be with family and friends from their community group in a fun setting, but also assisting a worthy cause. Dan commented, “We would set annual goals and work to attain them or better the mark.”
Got it yet?
With the addition of three children, the Bahrys continue their involvement by enjoying a morning of family time with the kids and then heading to the fun, food, inflatables, face-painters, and horses. Jill added, “We want our children to serve God and be about something bigger than themselves. We just love to bring the kids to an event that offers so much hope.”
It shouldn't be hard now. Something for singles, marrieds, kids and you ...
Dave and Carmen Beasley with the assistance of their family and over thirty friends oversee the Wolf Ledges station. Dave says, "I have enjoyed the opportunity of working at the Wolf Ledges water station the last several years. It is truly enjoyable to encourage the _______ (fill in the blank if you know). We just attempt to follow Christ's example by serving others."
Come on now. It is going to happen this weekend ...
Okay, here it is.
The 26th Annual Labor of Love Run and Family Celebration is right around the corner and offers a great opportunity to get involved and show the love of Christ. Besides running in the 5-mile race or 1-mile fun run/walk, you can also support this local outreach by donating baked cookies and door prizes. It is all for a great cause as proceeds benefit Akron Pregnancy Services and The Pregnancy Support Center of Stark County. And once the race is done, stick around for the Family Celebration featuring food and entertainment for the whole family. This year we are featuring R.E.L.M., a local a capella quartet comprised of four young sisters (ages 12, 10, 8, 6) who are singing the national anthem and doing a mini-concert. Don’t miss it! Information is available at tables in the Atrium. Email Joe for more information or a way to help!
Thanks to everyone for their words on this one!