Are You Ready?

N.T.#420 " Are You Ready?"

Nov. 11, 2024

Mark 13-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

Previously, Jesus gave warning that people will come to mislead His followers. They will claim to be the Messiah and deceive many. (verse 5) There will be wars; believers will be arrested and on trial, so tell them about the Good News. Believers in Jesus will be hated and betrayed by family.

The Olivet Discourse is continued in verses 14-37. As Daniel spoke of the abomination of desolation in chapters 9-12, which is tol com.  disobedience will occur. the signs of the last days will include: upheaval, pestilence, conflict, persecution, and disaster like nothing the world has ever seen. This will be the beginning of the Great Tribulation.  

God will not abandon His people. Although times of great distress happen, Jesus will come and set all things right. When folks witness celestial abnormalities, people will know that the Lord is coming soon. (Evans)

LET IT GROW

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. (verse 26)

This verse will fulfill Daniel's prophecy in 7:13-14. It will be an event visible to all. The God will send out the angels who will gather all the Jewish believers and those martyred during the tribulation so they may enter the millennial kingdom. (verse 27)

This is not the Rapture of the church. Believers will meet Jesus in the air. (1 Thess. 4:13-18) Those things described will take place after the Tribulation when Christ will return to the earth in glory and judgment. (J.V. McGee)

commentators seem to agree on this subject. The thing is, are we and our loved ones read for Jesus' return? Are they ready to fly in the sky? Only through believing Jesus is our Savior will we have such a time. Only God knows the hour it will take place. We better be ready.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for providing our way to heaven and in the Rapture.

Help us sahre the Good News of Your salvation today.

Signs of the Times

N.T.#420 "Signs of the Times"

Nov. 8, 2024

Mark 13-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Here we have a conversation between Jesus and His disciples on Tuesday before the crucifixion on the Temple mound. This chapter is known as the Olivet Discourse. 

When the group left the Temple, they would have climbed up the hill to the Garden area of the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem. The disciples pointed out the beautiful stones and buildings. However, Jesus told them the great buildings would be destroyed and stones thrown down. Those impressive buildings must have been magnificent. Yet one day they were going to be completely demolished.

This happened in 70 AD whenever the Romans destroyed the Jewish Temple by fire. The golden items within the Temple melted and ran down between the stones. Later the people overturned the stones looking for gold. It is that way today. Only the Wailing Wall remains as part of that area. The Golden Dome has replaced the Temple for Islamic worship of pagan gods.

In our lifetime, we have seen beautiful towers fall in the city of New York due to an invasion of the enemy. Many large cities have to tall skyscrapers reaching to the sky, towering above the city. We experienced this in Boston as we walked the Freedom Trail. Tall buildings surrounded the historical landmarks. Other large cities have similar buildings.

One day Jesus will return to earth to rule as King for a thousand years. All those pagan buildings and statues will come down as the Messiah is lifted up and worshiped.

LET IT GROW

Then Peter, James, John, and Andrew privately asked Jesus when those things would be and what the sign would show them these things are about to be fulfilled.

Jesus' answers were (in my words and NLT, verses 1-13:

• Don't be deceived or misled, for many would come in His name claiming to be the Messiah. 
• Wars and threats of wars will be hear of, so don't panic.
• These things would take place, but the end won't immediately follow.
• Nation will go to war against nation, kingdom against kingdom.
• Earthquakes in many parts of the world and famines will happen.
• Personally, believers will be handed over to local councils and beaten.
• Christians will stand trials before governors and kings because they are Jesus followers.
• Family members will betray family members and cause them to be killed. 
• Everyone will hate you because you are My followers. but the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Are we ready? If God choses to leave us here during this time, will we remain faithfully following Jesus?

LET IT GO 

Turn our eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, then the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the eyes of His glorious face.

What do we need to let go so we are completely following Jesus?

A Place to Worship

 N.T. #419 "A Place to Worship"

Nov. 7, 2024 

Mark 13

LET IT GLOW

Our church is doing some remolding of the sanctuary. We have been meeting in the fellowship hall for worship services. It has been a great time, for we are the church, not the building. The Jews have quite a history of their Temple of worship. Let's take a look.

n the previous chapter Jesus stood toe-to-toe with Israel's five most powerful political groups. They barely kept the Romans out of Judea. For once, they united to rid themselves of a threat to their power. Yet, it was the wrong rival-the Messiah, the Son of God. Herod the Great's temple is gone. Now a shrine of the false religion Islamic has erected a golden done in the place of all temples of worship.

A little history here: Solomon built the Jewish Temple in the 900's BC, the Babylonians destroyed it, but King Cyrus allowed the Jews back to rebuild it in 520 BC. Then King Herodes expanded the Second Temple in 20-19 BC. It was destroyed by the Romans 70 AD. The Dome of the Rock was built over the Foundation Ston of the Jewish Temple in 700 AD. So Jehovah, our Living God, is not worshiped where He originally was worshiped by the Jews. One day the dome will be destroyed.

This great sermon by Jesus is commonly known as the Olivet Discourse because Jesus delivered it on the Mt. of Olives, located east of the Temple, across the Kidron Valley, overlooking Jerusalem. Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple, the Great Tribulation, and the second coming of Christ in this chapter.

LET IT GROW 

Jesus knew that soon, He, the Lamb of God, would soon become the sacrifice once for all and the mediator of a new covenant, where animal sacrifices would become obsolete. (Heb. 9:11-15) After the Lamb of God died for the sins of the world, blood would never again have to be shed in the Temple. That day was coming soon for Jesus. (There are only 16 chapters in the book of Mark.)

Are you worshiping God in the spirit and in truth? Although we have churches where we can assemble to worship the True Living God, we can still worship Him anywhere. That is because God is a Spirit. He is everywhere. 

One day, we will all assemble in heaven to worship King Jesus. What a day that will be! And I will worship Him with my parents, brother and his wife, my grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins, inlaws. I am surely looking forward to it! Are you?

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Or will He be your Judge when you die? All it takes is to believe Jesus is God's Son, died in your place for the punishment of your sins, then ask His forgiveness. One day we will meet in heaven.

LET IT GO

Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, is, and will forever be!

Thank You Jesus for Your mercy and salvation!

Please save all who read this, Your Word.

Prepare us for that day when we stand before the King of kings and Lord of lords, bowing before Him.

How is Your Giving?

 N.T. #418 "How is Your Giving?"

Nov. 6, 2024 

Mark 12-Part 8

For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. (verse 44)

LET IT GLOW 

In the last month, our church has been giving to the max. We gave to a local church who is till feeding people after the tornadoes. We gave to our youth program so kids could go to camp next summer, we gave items to the flood victims in another state, in addition to giving appreciation gifts to our pastors. Needless to say, we have a very giving church. They are so loving, too.  

Shall we take a seat with Jesus over by the treasury? What is He is disciples observing? This was an area where 13 receptacles were placed to receive offerings and taxes for the Temple. Jesus had just commented on how the scribes took advantage of and plundered poor widows. (verse 40)

What did Jesus observe?

• The rich gave large sums of money. (verse 41)
• A poor widow, probably unnoticed by anyone else, dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. (verse 42)
• Jesus couldn't let the teachable moment escape, so He called the disciples over for it. (verse 43)
• Although the widow had contributed next to nothing, she had given more than all the others. (verse 43)
• The rich had given out of their surplus, leftovers. After they paid all of their expenses, they gave an offering, still had money was left. The widow gave out of her poverty. (verse 44)  

How are we doing in the giving department? Do we give what is left over after bills or do we give God first place, giving to Him?

LET IT GROW

We know this situation as" the widow's mite." A mite is just a tiny portion of our penny. But that is not the focus of the teaching. It is her heart in giving her all to God. Do we give our all to our God or just a portion, a tiny portion? Or are we loving Him with all our heart, soul, mind, strength? And our everything.

Stewardship is a matter of the heart. The way we relate to money is an indicator of our heart's state. The widow gave sacrificially from what little she had, because she loved God. When God considers our Christian stewardship, He looks not merely at the amount of our gifts but at our motives. (Tony Evans)

The widow gave all she had to live on because she loved her God.  Are we showing we love God by giving our tithes, offerings, time, sharing our home?

 LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for giving Your all for us sinners!

May we give all back to You as we give to others.

A Pretense

 N.T.#417 "A Pretense"

Nov. 5, 2024 

Mark 12-Part 7

LET IT GLOW 

David believed in the Messiah to be the Son of God. He called the Messiah My Lord." Jesus is a descendant of David, He is called the son of David. (verses 35-37)

The Jesus warned the people about the scribes describing them as:

• loving to parade around wearing long clothing (robes);
• loving salutations (respectful greetings) in the marketplaces;
• have chief seats in the synagogues and uppermost rooms at feasts(banquets);
• devour widow's houses (cheating them out of property);
• make long, pious prayers in pretense in public. (verses 38-40)

It was all done for appearance sake (pretense). The scribes will receive more severe punishment.

LET IT GROW 

Is our life one of humility and godliness? Are being a good example? Is our life a model for others in service? Or are we doing things for display of false piety?/

Be careful that our actions line up with our words. Let's not be a phony Christian. 

LET IT GO

Open our eyes to those in need, Lord Jesus.

Help us put on the apron of service today.

You are the One we serve, worship, and love.

Fill us with Your love for others, a selfless love.

Love Again

N.T.#416 "Love Again"

Nov. 4, 2024

Mark 12-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

How are others treating you? How are you treating them? Is it with selfless love?

The last of the five groups which tried to undermine Jesus' being the Messiah of Israel were the scribes. The scribes were respected and feard as Israel's experts on the Law. They were devoted to copying the Scriptures by hand with meticulous care. Spending housrs reading and writing the Word of God should have given them sufficient time to memorize passages and think about them. Although the scribes were theologians, they twisted the sacred texts to suit their purposes like the Sadducees and Herodians. (Swindoll)

One of the scribes asked Jesus what was the greatest of the commandments, to which He answered to love God and neighbors. To be clearer, Jesus said to love the Lor thy God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The scribe said to love God with all our heart, understanding, soul, and strength, plus our neighbor. He added: is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. (verse 33b)

Love is the key to our living and pleasing God. That is my conclusion.

 Mere religious observance is worthless. Conforming to external religious regulations and practices-without love-will not get you close to God. We are to love God with the totality of our being. It is one thing to claim we love God, but to show it with what we think, say, and do is proof. Jesus connects the vertical love of God with the horizontal love of others. To love others is to decide to compassionately and righteously seek their well-being. (Evans)

LET IT GROW 

Love is the leading affection of the soul; the love of God is the leading grace in the renewed soul. Loving God with all our heart dethrones all those things that are rivals with Him. Do we set our affections on God? Do we delight in Him? Is He in sole possession of us? (Matthew Henry)

Jesus told us that there is no greater commandment than these two. (verse 31b) Are we working on this? To love God and our neighbor is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices, according to that scribe. (verse 32b) Was it the Prophet Samuel that said the same thing-obedience is better than sacrifice?

Genuine love for God and people is our duty as believers. Obeying God's Word is what He wants of us. How can I help you? That should be our theme. Whether we are cleaning dirty dishes, changing dirty diapers, or scrubbing filthy commodes, we are to do it because we love and honor God.

Maybe it is turning the other cheek and forgiving that is showing we love God and others. Do it millions of times. Don't waste years of being mad at someone. If we are walking by faith, then we are to be walking in love.

LET IT GO 

Help us to love again, sweet Jesus.

To forgive those who hurt us. Let go of those hurts.

Love again today.

What is Life About?

N.T.#415 "What is Life About?"

Nov. 1, 2024 

Mark 12-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Of course, most folks have regrets whenever a loved one passes. I could have done more... It was like I gave up doing loving things for my brother the last year. He had made fun of our faith throughout the years. I had visited him and taken him food whenever he had surgeries and rehab. All I could do was pray for him, that his heart would change. God answered my prayers. Five days before he passed away, I spoke bluntly with him. Was he ready to see Jesus? Had he asked God to forgive his sins. Yes, was the answer to both questions. Our conversation covered each admitting we were not the right kind of brother and sister we should have been. Forgiveness was in us. Now I can rejoice that God can do what we cannot do. Love was with us; God was in us. Now we will be together for all eternity. 

The religious leaders were trying to discredit the man claiming to be the Messiah or else lose their hold on power. So they sent people into the crowds to pretend to be seekers and to catch Jesus in a theological or political trap. Yet, Jesus answered with wisdom that won the trust of sincere hearts and reinforced His identity as the Messiah.

Swindoll identified 5 Jewish factions who conspired to undermine Jesus' claim to be the Messiah:

1. The Sanhedrin, a governing body of 70 Jewish statesmen for Israel. He showThey were like our supreme court or a parliament in other countries. It was a modern political body which included 2 opposing parties-the Sadducees and the Pharisees. Although they were cut throats, they shared a common threat to their power, so they banded together as partners in crime to eliminate Jesus.
2. The Pharisees held themselves to the highest standards of Jewish Law and advocated complete separation from all Gentile influence. 
3. The Herodians were descendants of Herod the Great or served the royal family in some way. The were the Roman royal court. (verse 13)
4. The Sadducees believed the soul perished with the body. They believed rewards and punishment of God was only experienced here in this life. They did not believe in the resurrection nor afterlife.
5. The scribes were the experts on the Law in Israel. With their long robes, the scribes were respected, had chief seats in the synagogues, and were the highest social rank in the community. However, they were guilty of fraud and cruelty letting status influence decisions.

No wonder the common people had hope in Jesus. He showed them love, demonstrated God's Word, and encouraged them life after death came through faith, not works.

LET IT GROW

Let's take a closer look at those groups. We have already discussed the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees and Herodians, and the Sadducees. Now let's consider the scribes.

One of the scribes asked Jesus which command is the most important. How did Jesus answer?

First, Jesus said, The Lord our God is one Lord. (verse 29, Deut. 6:5)

The culture around Israel was polytheistic, worshiping many gods. Israel was told to be monotheistic, only worshiping Jehovah. We are to love God with the totality of our being. We are to demonstrate our love for God through everything we think, say, and do. 

In verse 30, Jesus tells us to love the Lord thy God with what? All of our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This shows us the completeness of the kind of love we are commanded to have. Is our love thorough and fervent for God?

Secondly, Jesus said, Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself. (verse 31, Lev. 19:18) Believers are to measure their love for others by what they wish for themselves.(MacAurthor)

Jesus wants these two commands to rule our thoughts, decisions, and actions. When we are uncertain about what to do, ask ourself which course of action best demonstrates love for God and love for others.(Life Application Study Bible)

That is our mission here on earth. While we love God, we are loving others to God. Does our life show that? 

LET IT GO

Keep on praying for our loved ones to come to Jesus.

Keep showing His love, even when it is not returned. 

Love God and others, for that is what life is about, right?