As we near the end of the church year (Nov. 24), our Scripture lessons turn naturally to a couple of topics that concern our own future as Christians – the Return of Christ (2 Thessalonians) and the Age of Resurrection (Luke). These are perpetually “hot topics” among believers because we’re all basically wondering the same thing: “What’s it going to be like??!!” Spoiler alert: readers who come to our Gospel reading hoping for juicy answers to that question are going to be disappointed. For one thing, the question posed to Jesus here is a hypothetical, and a rather far-fetched one at that. For another, those asking the question aren’t being sincere. They’re trying to rope Jesus into their game of religious politics for their own dubious purposes – a game Jesus refuses to play. But having said all of that, here’s one lesson we can take away from Jesus’ response. The question of the Sadducees about marriage in the Age of Resurrection reflects a mistaken assumption many people still hold today, that our lives in heaven will simply be an extension of our present lives (i.e. “more of the same”). According to Jesus, however, resurrection life won’t just be a better version of this one (IPhone 5s, anyone?). Rather, it will be wholly different. Marriage, childbirth, graduations, retirement – these are the events and relationships that order our present journey through this mortal life, and they bring us so much happiness. And to that, our Savior says with a grin, “Just wait, you ain
Pastor E. Dean helps us understand how our Lectionery Preaching Calendar works and the history of the Psalms and how they often were used in early Hymns.
Talk about the End Times whether in or outside the Bible can draw any number of responses out of people. Some of the more faint-hearted are frightened by the unsettling images Jesus describes. Some overly analytical types feel the need to try and predict when the End will come. And others (men, mostly) get positively giddy about all the End Times talk. These are the folks who collect survival guidebooks and seem to be itching for disaster to strike just so they can prove their readiness. I think that all these people are missing the point. Behind the admitted uncertainties about what lies in the future is an underlying Gospel message of comfort and encouragement that we can take to heart right now. ”Do not be terrified. (9)” “This will be your opportunity to bear witness (13)” “By your endurance you will gain your lives. (19)” “Straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (28)” What is it time for you to stop being afraid of today? Where has God given you an opportunity to share Jesus today? Perhaps your witness can start with a head held high and hands raised to heaven even in the face of difficulties. For Christians the best way to be prepared for the future is to be attentive to how we are living right now.
This message was preached by Dr. Earl Johnson, Jr. at Grace Bible Baptist Church. We are located at 1518 N. Rolling Road, Catonsville, Maryland 21228 (410-788-6132). Everyone is welcome to attend all services and events. We also invite you to view our weekly television program, The Everliving Story, Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. on Channel 54 and Cable Channel 14. For more information, log on to www.GraceBibleBaptist.org.
Just Thoughts - The Great Harlot ( Mystery Babylon ) For more Bible Studies Go to Any search engine such as Yahoo or Google and select Video or Videos then type in Just Thoughts or Just Thoughts Bible Studies . or just go to YouTube and search for Just Thoughts on JustThoughtsstudies channel
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