Awake Us Now
A difficult and challenging message, this week we address the reality of hell. Hell is not a topic of regular conversation, yet the reality of hell is true. Therefore, it is essential we understand the consequences of our beliefs, our actions, and our behaviors, and that we understand what the future holds. The Bible teaches we have only two destinies: With God (heaven) - or - Apart from Him (hell). Which destiny are we living for?
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The Gospel of John Week 26 Scripture: John 20:19 - 21:25. Today’s study will conclude our two year study of the Gospels with a dramatic and amazing ending. We begin with John 20:19, it is the first day of the week (Sunday) and the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly Jesus was standing among them saying “Peace be with you.” This is a phrase in English that sounds so common, like “have a good day.” But in Hebrew it carries much more meaning. Shalom (peace) more than just an absence of conflict or warfare, it refers to all creation - it...
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Merry Christmas!
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Merry Christmas!
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Merry Christmas!
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This is the final week in our study of 400 years of Kings and Prophets from Solomon to Jeremiah. King Josiah • Young King seeks God • Spiritual cleansing of Jerusalem • Book of the Law discovered • Reform beyond Judah • Passover observance - King Josiah gives an order to all people to observe God's Passover. This had not been celebrated according to what was written, not even in the days of the judges, nor in the days of any of the kings of...
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Merry Christmas!
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Merry Christmas!
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The message starts with Matthew 1:18 “This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.” Pastor explores today’s question: “What about the Virgin Birth?” by tackling these 5 questions: ⁃ Is the “Virgin Birth” really that important? ⁃ Why do only Matthew and Luke mention it? ⁃ Couldn’t this have been a later development? ⁃ ...
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Are we recognizing the “signs of the times,” which include things from past, present and future? Pastor Dodge explores three specific and important signs that are apparent, visible and happening today! They remind us that as believers, we need to recognize the “signs of the times” and to be awake (i.e. ready for Christ’s return)!
info_outlineActs 1:6-11, Psalm 22, Luke 21:28, Matthew 24:6-8, 14
Our story today, the ascension of Jesus on the Mount of Olives, takes place 40 days after His resurrection.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus has shared what the end times will be like:
Disasters
Wars
Rumors of wars
Earthquakes
Famine
Pestilence
Jesus said that these events are like birth pains - meaning they start slow and they increase in strength and frequency. These show us the end is coming nearer. Pastor shares evidence of the ramp up to the events that lead to Jesus’ return as these signs grow closer and closer together and get more and more severe.
Though Jesus had often talked about the end times, the disciples with Him that day of His ascension, ask Him yet again, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” They were anticipating that Israel’s freedom would be restored when Messiah came, that with the resurrection would come all that God had planned. And their anticipation that it must be now that it will happen, after all He’s alive, He triumphed over the grave - so now “are you going to restore the kingdom of Israel?” And Jesus replies, “It is not for you to know the dates the Father has set by His own authority.”
Then Jesus goes on and what He says next becomes one of the biggest signs of all regarding the end, that the good news would reach the ends of the earth. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
In Jesus’ words found in Matthew 24:14 He says, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Jesus made it clear that we do not know the day of His return but we can look at the signs and the signs are very clear.
We are living in remarkable times: disasters, war, persecution increasing, like birth pains, Israel restored (1948), but also the message of Jesus to every nation and peoples across the globe. These are unsettling times, but they are also exciting times.
Our scripture story ends with a word from the angels that appeared with the disciples after Jesus went up into the clouds of heavens, “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Yes! He IS coming back as the song says, “Riding on the clouds!” Jesus tells us “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:28) When we see the signs that He laid out being fulfilled, look up, be awake, watch! Because our Redeemer’s return is drawing near!
Let’s eagerly anticipate the final appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! No matter what happens, we know our Savior is coming back and that gives us confidence and hope even in uncertain times. God is faithful! Jesus IS alive and He’s coming back!
What are we waiting for? HIS RETURN!
Amen!, Come Lord Jesus!
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