Wednesday, January 8, 2014

The Imminent Return Of Christ

Luke 21:25-28 & 34-36
The Imminent Return Of Christ

     “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” 
     “Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

     This is a clear word to us as Christians. Jesus says to be on guard and to keep on the alert at all times lest the day of His return come upon us suddenly. In other passages of scripture it says that the generation that sees Israel regathered as a nation will not pass away before He has returned. Israel was re-gathered in 1948 which is around the same time my Mother was born. (Just to put things into perspective) Jesus could return in my Mothers lifetime. So let us think earnestly about what Jesus is saying here, and that He is not trying to keep these things hidden from us but is speaking plainly. Let us think in terms of being a soldier and on guard duty. We have heard that a great army is approaching and that we must give warning to the rest of the troops before they get close so that everyone might have time to get ready and defend the fort. Now, it would be nice to think that we could establish a certain time every day on the wall and that the enemy should only try and attack during the time we have designated. However, the enemy looks for a time when we are not at our post or at least not going to be very alert so that they will have the advantage. We can see how foolish it would be to assume that the enemy will only attack when we are on duty. Let us compare this to our Christian walk. As long as the Lord returns on Sunday or Wednesday night we will be alert at His coming. Or as long as He comes when we are half asleep and trying to read our Bible just before bed, then we will not be taken by surprise. We can see from these examples that it is easy to treat our alertness for His coming too casually. Examine your day and ask yourself just how much time do you spend with Jesus in a day and honestly, how prepared are you too actually to meet Him?
     Jesus says to be careful not to be tangled up in the pursuits of the world and the worries of life. He was obviously quite aware of the daily struggles and earthly pleasures that we face. He did not make light of how hard it would be for us to hold on until His return and to be able to stand securely in His presence. He said, “Be on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place.”
     Let us look at the practical steps for being constantly on the alert. We can start by setting time aside every morning and evening to be with Him. We can begin memorizing verses in the Bible or sing worship songs in our heart while we work during the day. This really helps during the day when we are bombarded by worldly music and coarse language. We have to counter those things that fill our minds with evil thoughts and desires by replacing them quickly with whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is true and of good repute. We have to take every thought captive. To be on the alert is also to be constantly ready to help our neighbor and to share the good news of the Gospel of Christ. We are to be continually sowing the seed of His word and to be unashamed of Him so that when He stands before the Father He is unashamed of us.
     So let me encourage us to keep on the alert as soldiers of Jesus Christ who will soon return and will reward all those who have been faithful. God bless you all!



20 comments:

  1. Hi Seth, I always look forward to your BIBLE sessions. I am very happy to have met Claudette. She shared some experiences with me. Please continue to pray for her as she shares your messages:) And Seth, I believe in Prayers and ask for prayers too.

    Thanks for the awakening message. I need to be ready and be alert to HIS coming. I know now that so many things can distract us from our focus on GOD and how much time we spend with JESUS. I really do want to stay on track and I am very happy for your word of encouragement. Seth, I must acknowledge that some days my job exhaust me, but I have memorized a couple BIBLE verses that become my "lifter upper" in these moments. Sometimes I find myself singing songs aloud. And when I do, others notice b/cause the songs are different:)

    Yes, christians should be rejoicing more, with all the signs that are so obvious in the environment. And for those who don't know JESUS. Invite him as a friend into your heart. I remembered when I joined Facebook, I had to ask people to be my friends. Some would accept and others refuse. Not so with my LORD. He is willing to accept your invitation. As soon as you ask HIM it's an immediate answer. You don't have to wait one hour, two days, a month :)
    for HIM to accept. You don't need a fancy picture or your profile publicized. B/cause JESUS already know who you are. Isn't this wonderful? HE wants to be your friend.
    Many thanks again Seth. Great message!

    GOD's Blessings

    Sophia, CT



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  2. We, as a thoughtful and considerate people must, (not should), must live by the principles that were written in the inspired word of the bible. As believers, it is also a must to be prepaired for the "end game", so to speak. All instructions are there, in black and white. It is also our responsibility to not twist the word to our liking. Be steadfast and true. Then and only then will we become closer to and eventually one with the lord, our god.....Proper preperation prevents poor performance...WHEN IT REALLY MATTERS.

    -Phillip 37
    KY

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  3. Very inspiring Seth. Your message makes me think of how much more I want to "know" Jesus. Claudette FL

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  4. Wow! Seth. I think your message got me to do something I havent done in a while - remembering verses in a particular way. This morning as I awoke, I said, "good morning Father. Good morning Jesus."...and then I said to myself, "now what topic did I focus on (and made a note) in my bible yesterday?" I thirsted for it and wanted to remember it before I got out of bed. I felt like I wanted to reach something beautiful and keep it in my heart. I came up with other verses but not the one I searched for. Then I felt like a soft nudge saying that I forgot to "meditate" on the verse throughout my prior day. (This is how God does it for me). And when I can remember the following morning what God broght to my attention the day before, I get an awesome feeling inside. Anyone want to try it? Claudette FL

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  5. Dear Seth
    I love your Bible study and bringing out the second coming of the Lord that we should be prepared for Him. The Lord Jesus is coming for His saints and what a glorious day that will be for us.Alleluia to the Lord for He is Good and I praise and thank Him for caring for us. This is a great time were living in so we have a lot to be thankful for. Amen Carmella Ct.

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  6. Sound like Revelation. My new years resolution is t read the bible in a yr. Julie Orlando

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  7. Dear Seth, this is my third time reading your message. I love how you encourage us to stay strong in our relationship with our LORD. Three of your most recent messages were about being vigilant, and preparedness. Thanks for encouraging us to "be on guard at all times, lest the day of JESUS return come upon us suddenly". GOD's WORD is forever true, always consistent. Throughout the whole BIBLE GOD gives clarity and simply through the selected people of HIS choice states what HIS intentions are. Yes, JESUS will return for HIS people. Those who are prepared to meet HIM. Those who have given up the "chaotic choices of this world" for a relationship with our GOD. John 14:3 KJV; JESUS speaks "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also". I just got led to read this chapter of JOHN. JESUS was preparing to leave and was so preparing the Disciples for this event.. This same JESUS whose birth to earth we celebrated during CHRISTmas will return to this earth. GOD's WORD. Only those prepared for HIM will return with HIM. Seth, I really want to be ready for the LORD and with each day GOD gives to me, I try to reassess myself to see my worthiness. I think this is necessary as there is so much the human flesh need to give up. Eg. Teaching "ourselves to love our neighbors as we love ourselves", one of the COMMANDMENTS. this is something to be practiced daily,and very important quality of the CHRISTIAN. I think it is important that each individual also assess on a day to day basis what things can be changed to make them better and more prepared to meet our LORD. Thanks vey much again Seth. I love this.

    Please pray for Claudette as she shares your messages.

    GOD's Blessings
    Sophia, CT

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    1. Hello Sophia. :) Thank you for the prayer request. Same for you and the ones we come accross...especially for them.

      Question-You broght up above Jesus' new comandment to love one another as ourselves. Most Christians I know tend to follow and remember verbally only Jesus' two new commandments to love God ...and to love your neighbor... They seem to push aside(choose to ignore) the everlasting commandments in Ex 20. I think becasue they do this, it is the reason they really do not have a sabbath day of rest, practice idoltry and dont even know it (have statutes ,objects or pictures made from human hands to connect to God) have wishfull thoughts of coveting , etc. I DONT THINK WHEN JESUS GAVE US THESE TWO NEW COMMANDMENTS OF LOVING OUR NEIGHBOR AND GOD HE WANTED US TO IGNORE THE DETAILED ONES IN EXODUS 20. What do you thnk?

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    2. Dear Claudette,
      Excuse lateness of response.
      No Claudette, GOD does not want us to ignore the 10 Commandments. No one can change the LAW of GOD. These directives were given to the Israelites through Moses. They were to provide order to the people who were disobedient to the ways of GOD at times. There was also a lot of chaos then b/cause they wanted to have their own way. These people just grumbled daily.
      The 10 Commandments are applicable to the Christian. This is referred to as the Old Covenant. Christians need to keep this in their hearts.The 10 Commandments is GOD's standard of righteousness. It exposes our sins and help us to understand why we need GOD's GRACE through JESUS.

      The New Commandment was highly emphasized by JESUS. With these words He answered the questions asked by one of the Pharisees. The Pharisees knew the 10 Commandments as they were familiar with the Mosaic Law. They were testing JESUS with their inquisitiveness. JESUS, in answering this Pharisee member answered with the New Commandment.

      Look at this seriously, If we love the LORD GOD with all thy heart, soul and mind, we should want to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This must be practiced. In everyday life how many "neighbors" have we come across that we are guilty of not showing genuine love to them?? None of writers I have read said that "love did away with the the LAW". No,no,no. Truly if you want to love GOD with your whole being. Then, you will want to obey HIS Commandments. But thanks be to GOD, Most High for HIS grace and favor, extended to anyone who believes in CHRIST JESUS our LORD and SAVIOR :)

      So glad to be able to respond to you.

      Sophia, CT

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  8. This passage of scripture is a sober warning and reminder that we should always be sober and be deligent, because our adversary the Devil walks about like a roarin lion seeking whom he may devour. And that we should continue to resist him and stand fast in the faith.-Tremyane 39

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  9. IM CATHOLIC BY TRADITION.MY PARENTS ARE CATHOLIC MY WHOLE FAMILY IS CATHOLIC.I BELEIVE THAT ONE DAY SOMETHING WILL REALLY MAKE US ALL REGRET NOT TO APPRECIATE THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE GOD GAVE US ALL.HE MAY BE ALREADY HERE EXPRESING HIS SADNESS BY SENDING ALL THIS ILLNESS,POVERTY,IGNORANCE IN PEOPLE ABOUT MANY THINGS SUCH AS RACE,SEXUAL PREFERENCE ETC.GOD NEVER LEFT US HE IS HERE WATCHING EVERYTHING WE DO.SO LET'S ALL LIVE A GOOD AND HEALTHY LIFE. DENISSE 37 FORT MYERS

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  10. This passage in Luke sounds so much like Revelation. I am to be on guard looking always for the return of Jesus. That means that I should have a personal relationship with Jesus and be aware of what he wants me to do or not do on a daily basis. When he wants me to tell others about him' I should speak up. I should not be afraid of his return or the signs around me but be joyous and give thanks for all things. The times may look gloomy but I should not because he has promised to never leave me or forsake me. Praise God


    Marty Michigan

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    1. God Bless. I thank the Lord I found a neighbor that did a comment like you did. It is inspiring and shows you read your bible, and have a personal relationship with God. I seriously need friends like you. Please consider being a closer friend to me. Oh. And when you go back to Michigan we can always stay in touch through this weekly bible study...that 's if it is OK by you AND it is so much better than facebook. To comment in it on your laptop you will need a gmail account. God bless Claudette CT/FL

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  11. This pasage speaks a lot of truth how somtimes we, as Christians, get caught up in our day-to-day activities. This is a reminder that Jesus Christ can come at any moment of the day, and we have to be ready. Meaning that we have to be obedient to his word and showing love to others like Christ would. Satan is always looking for a moment to strike and try to discourage us, but if we stay strong in prayer and in our path with the Lord...he will ALWAYS PREVAIL. Tisha 20 Ft.Myers,FL

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  12. Great passage. Reminds me of a message a pastor taught
    Anna 33 Cape Coral FL

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  13. Sandy loves God..Ct.06770January 13, 2014 at 11:02 AM

    We must perservere forward, being steadfast a nd strong in the lord,having courage daily to prepare for whats ahead. so many things to distract us and give us a bump in the road on our walk with the lord,I pray daily for the Lord to help me make decisions,and help me, sometimes we can be so busy serving we don't take the time to sit with Jesus....

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  14. "If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand."
    Psalm 37:23,24
    This is a verse I read yesterday. Because it is so beautiful I find I can't let go and move on to other scriptures yet. I have to wait till my soul gets full on it...then I can move on. Anyone know what I am talking about?

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  15. The coming of The Lord is the only hope we have in a crazy world I am glad that The Lord has saved me, whether I stumble and fall no matter what my savior is always there for me,

    Luis CT

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  16. even the very elect shall be fooled by the great deciever.it is a daily struggle to resist the temptations of this fallen world.the answer is him,our loird and savior jesus christ............james Ft Myers

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  17. Christians should be always anticipating the coming of our LORD.

    Sophia, CT

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