Luke 20:45 – Luke 21:38…Tuesday January 31st, 2012
SIGNS OF CHRIST’S COMING
THE DISCIPLES QUESTION THE SIGNS OF CHRIST’S RETURN
In regards to the Lord’s return and the end of time this passage among others looks forward to the glorious end of human history with the coming day of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Luke 21:7-11
Luke 21:25-28
In your patience, possess ye your soul
Luke 21:19
The soul is the seat of ones affections, will, desire, emotions, mind, reason and understanding which is the inner self of the essence of life with the soul returning to God at death
Luke 21:1-4
We see a widow giving all that she had in contrast to the way most of us handle our money. Jesus was admiring generosity and sacrificial giving which involves money, time and talent
Jesus did not leave his disciples unprepared for the difficult years ahead. He warned them about false messiahs, natural disasters and persecutions however he assured the disciples that he would be with them to protect them and make his kingdom known through them. Jesus promised that he would return in power and glory to save them. Jesus warnings and promises to his disciples also apply to us as we look forward to his return
Luke 21:7
Persecution subsequently began with Luke recording many of them in the book of Acts. Paul wrote from prison that he suffered gladly because it helped him know Christ better and do Christ’s work
Philippians 3:10
Colossians 1:24
The early church thrived despite intense persecution with the seed of God’s Kingdom being extended
Luke 21:12-13
Jesus also warned that in the coming persecutions his followers would be betrayed by family members and friends as well. Christians of every age have had to face this possibility. It is good to know that even when we feel completely abandoned, the Holy Spirit will stay with us.
HE WILL COMFORT US, PROTECT US and GIVE US THE WORDS WE NEED
This assurance can give us the courage and hope to stand firm for Christ no matter how difficult the situation
Luke 21:14-19
JESUS HAS PROMISED THAT NONE OF HIS FOLLOWERS WOULD SUFFER SPIRITUAL OR ETERNAL LOSS
BELIEVERS IN JESUS WILL BE SAVED TO EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF ETERNAL LIFE
Luke 21:18
The times of the Gentiles began with Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and the exile of the Jewish people. Israel was no longer an independent nation but was under the control of Gentile rulers. In Jesus day, Israel was governed by the Roman empire and a Roman general would destroy the city in A.D.70. Jesus was saying that the domination of God’s people by his enemies would continue until God decided to end it. The times of the Gentiles refers not just to the repeated destruction of Jerusalem but also the continuing and mounting persecution of God’s people until the end
Luke 21:24
This picture of coming persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy but ultimately it is cause not for worry but for great joy. When believers see these events happening they will know that the return of Christ is near and they will look forward to His reign of justice and peace. Rather than being terrified by what is happening we should confidently await Christ’s return in anticipation for the justice and restoration He will bring to pass
Luke 21:28
JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES TO KEEP A CONSTANT WATCH FOR HIS RETURN. ALTHO NEARLY 2,000 YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE HE SPOKE THESE WORDS THIS TURTH REMAINS
“CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN”
AND WE NEED TO BE WATCHFUL AND SPIRITUALLY PREPARED AND READY. THIS MEANS WORKING FAITHFULL AT THE TASKS GOD HAS GIVEN US. DO NOT LET YOUR MIND AND SPIRIT BE DULLED BY CARELESS LIVING, DRINKING OR FOOLISHLY PURSUING PLEASURE. DO NOT LET ANXIETIES OVERBURDEN YOU SO THAT YOU WILL BE READY TO MOVE AT GOD’S COMMAND
Luke 21:34-36
Only days after telling his disciples to pray that they might escape persecution Jesus himself asked God to spare him the agonies of the cross, if that was God’s will
Luke 22:41-42
It is not normal to want to suffer but as Jesus followers we are willing to so suffer if by so doing it will expand God’s Kingdom to touch others.
GOD WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US
Matthew 28:20
HE WILL ONE DAY RESCUE US and GIVE US ETERNAL LIFE
Revelations 21:1-4
Luke 21:36
Walk in the Light as He is in the light and so partake of the treasures of life available in Christ
Study by Charlotte…January 2012