WORD OF GOD, 1

1 Peter 1:22-23; 2:2-3 – Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God…. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

Hebrews 5:11-6:2 – We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

            As we come to the end of the calendar year 2012, my thoughts turn to the Word of God.  My hope is for you to give Scripture reading a higher priority in 2013. Spending time in the Bible should be a daily experience. God works spiritual transformation by the Book.

            I grew up in Seattle drinking lots of milk. A milkman delivered his products to our back porch twice a week, straight from a dairy farm. My mother believed we should drink raw milk. It was thick and creamy and I loved it!

            The beverage was served at every meal. Milk and brown sugar was generously applied to hot oatmeal every morning for breakfast (served in a mush bowl we called it “mush”). Milk was purchased at school for lunch. Milk was the sole beverage during the evening supper. Milk was such an important part of the diet that it was preferred over soda drinks. My consumption of milk is considerably less today but I occasionally enjoy a good tall glass.

            My father also loved milk. Although not a pleasant thought to me, when he was older he preferred buttermilk.

            A classic television advertisement best describes the spiritual lesson: “Milk is for every body.” Milk is needed in every level of spiritual development: babe, child, teenager, young adult, middle-aged and fully mature. May you never get a mindset that the milk of God’s word will not be refreshing! Peter stated: “…crave pure spiritual milk.”

            How does this apply to the statement from Hebrews? The writer seems to indicate believers should not be milk drinkers. On the contrary! As mature followers of Jesus the milk of Scripture should not be the only part of a spiritual diet.

            Bible truths can be very in-depth; some refer to them as “meaty.”  You need the milk of God’s word to swallow and digest the meat.  Have you ever tried to chew and swallow food with a dry mouth?  It is not possible! You need drink to digest food.

            While attending college I enjoyed theology courses.  The study of theism, bibliology, angelology, anthropology, soteriology, ecclesiology, eschatology was fascinating.  None of these subjects would have made sense without, “For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16)  A profound thinker of the 20^th Century was asked the greatest thought he ever considered?  He replied, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

            Here are some reasons for loving the milk of God’s word.

Milk reminds you that you are God’s child.

            When faith wavers go to Scripture with a cup rather than a knife and fork. The simplicity of Biblical truth gives the believer more courage. The story of faith, believed with child-like confidence, increases courage in the human heart. Simple faith brought you into a relationship with God and simple truth develops greater faith. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)

            Sometimes God’s word should be read for substance but other times for simplicity. Assurance comes by the simple hearing of God’s word. The practice of simply hearing the Word causes people to realize they are simply a child of God.

Milk reminds you that you are still weak.

            Though people may know His word and consider themselves mature, there is risk of unduly exalting self and thinking oneself invincible. Society has become filled with self-importance. Self is now elevated over everything and is the national idol. When you see yourself big, you make God small.

            The milk of God’s word, the simplicity of His story, reveals that strength is found solely in the Lordship of Jesus. His word states, as a matter of fact, you are too weak to overcome sin. His word reveals you do not personally handle temptation very well. His word reminds you, no matter how much you know, your relationship with God is what helps you to stand.

Milk reminds you that you should grow.

            My wife is the oldest of six children. A twelve year age difference exists between herself and the youngest brother. She had a lot of responsibility in his upbringing while her mother worked to provide for the family.

            Jim did not like the taste of milk and refused to drink it. He would sometimes complain about his “bones hurting.” By not getting enough calcium his physical frame would ache. As a substitute for milk he started taking calcium supplements.

            The milk of God’s word develops in you grace and love, the framework of salvation. Milk is not a replacement for meat but is an important part of good health. Scriptural milk is the foundation, able to support reliable spiritual pillars of truth.

            The simplicity of God’s word advances your spiritual transformation in a healthy manner. Remaining an immature believer, a spiritual baby, leads to death. Life develops normally with a properly balanced diet. As spiritual transformation increases, spiritual meat must be added to spiritual milk. Milk, however, is always a part of the diet.

Milk becomes a source of encouragement.

            Being around others just beginning their relationship with God is enjoyable. Seeing them grasp the same truth you discovered when first putting your faith in Him is encouraging. The enthusiasm they express with each newfound truth is exciting. When God’s word becomes confirmed in their life their exhilaration is contagious.

            Hearing the milk of God’s word from the lips of a new believer reminds you where you were and helps you to appreciate what the Lord has done in your life since making Him Lord.

Spiritual milk helps put Biblical meat into a wholesome perspective.

            Knowing the basics helps you comprehend the complex. My college degree in Religion and Philosophy was great preparation for ministry. Early in church administration, however, I discovered the need to acquire more knowledge of corporate management principles. With unused GI Bill funds still available to me, I pursued a degree in Accounting and Business at Southwest Minnesota State University.

            Basic Accounting seemed easy. With each additional course the subject became more complex. The next level of required courses was based on things learned in earlier courses. Being able to handle Intermediate and Advance Accounting was made possible with Basic Accounting. Adding Income Tax and Business Law courses to financial management increased the complexity.

            If an infant is given meat before milk they choke on the food. Spiritual meat before spiritual milk distorts a person’s understanding. Spiritual meat before spiritual milk leads to Biblical error. Spiritual meat before spiritual milk is like building a house without a foundation. Spiritual meat before spiritual milk is a ship without a rudder, traveling aimlessly.

            Regardless the years a person follows Jesus everybody needs the milk of God’s word. Always value the simple truths of the Bible and develop a greater reliance on the Lord. Maintain a healthy diet that includes both the milk and meat of Scripture.

HEAVEN ON MY MIND, 2

2 Corinthians 5:1-9 – “¹Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. ²Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, ³because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ⁴For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. ⁶Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷We live by faith, not by sight. ⁸We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.

            The last article looked at what Jesus said to his disciples about heaven. This one looks at what Paul wrote to the church.

            Jesus’ disciples had become troubled for reasons similar to today. The remedy is to trust Him and get heaven on your mind. Some people consider this escapism. You are simply broadening your worldview and putting troubles into the backdrop of eternity. From an eternal perspective the situations of life are much less troublesome.

            Included in the blessing of heaven is your wardrobe.  Of all the miracles disclosed in Scripture, the glorified body is one of the greatest.

            What gives a widow comfort as she stands beside the fresh grave of her husband? What is promised to the physically challenged, the amputee and the burn victim? Why is the blind, the deaf and the paralyzed encouraged when they think of life beyond the present? What is the final answer to pain, mourning, senility, insanity, terminal disease, sudden calamities and major disasters? Where do the thoughts of a young couple go when grieving the loss a baby? When a family is given tragic news of a teenager or a parent killed in an accident, what single hope becomes their sole focus? How can someone make sense of the martyrdom of helpless hostages or devoted missionaries? The answer is the hope of a glorified body!

            The resurrection of Jesus gives understanding to the heavenly body. Before and after His resurrection Pharisees argued with Sadducees about the validity of a resurrection. The Sadducees, recognizing only the first five books of the Old Testament (the books of Moses), believed there was no such thing.

            When Paul spoke in Athens he told the crowd about Jesus’ resurrection. Some laughed while others wanted to learn more. You can expect a similar response, some laughing and others wanting more.

            His resurrection is controversial and those who follow Him are considered equally controversial.

How do we know there is a resurrection for believers?

            “Now we know….” (V. 1) How do we know? On account of the death and resurrection of Jesus!

            Jesus is the “first fruits” of the upcoming resurrection day. “¹Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. ²By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. ³For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, ⁵and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. ⁶After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-6)

            His sacrificial death for sin was accepted by the Father and Jesus was resurrected from the dead. His resurrection experience will also happen to those whose sins are forgiven.

            “… A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” (John 5:28-29)

            Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies.” (John 11:25)

            First Corinthians 15:3 states Jesus died for “our sins.” His death has personal meaning. First Corinthians 15:4 declares Jesus was “raised from the dead.” His resurrection also has personal meaning.

How do we know Jesus actually was resurrected from the dead?

            If the future resurrection is based on His resurrection, how do we know He died and was raised from the dead? By the testimony of eye witnesses!

            A Roman soldier gave an eye witness report about His death. “And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’ … Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. ⁴⁵When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph.” (Mark 15:39, 44-45)

            Soldiers know how to inflict death and are not a novice to witnessing death. They know when someone is dead. Jesus died!

            Numerous people gave an eye witness report about His resurrection. Paul wrote, “…he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. ⁶After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. ⁷Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, ⁸and last of all he appeared to me also.” (1 Corinthians 15:5-8)

            The highest number of witnesses required in a court of law is seven, to execute an oral will. Over 500 gave testimony that Jesus was alive after being crucified and their testimony was not refuted in their lifetime.

            We also know He is resurrected on account of the observance of worship. Followers of Jesus worship on the first day of the week in honor of His resurrection, which occurred on that day. The stated Sabbath of Scripture is the last day of the week. Jewish believers would never make such a dynamic change in worship if the resurrection of the Messiah had not occurred.

            Eyewitnesses and the day of worship give testimony Jesus was resurrected from the dead.

How do we know the resurrection has not already occurred?

            Attempts have been made in the past to persuade believers the resurrection has already occurred and will not happen again. “¹⁷Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:17-18)

            We know the resurrection has not occurred because of the present burdens that cease in glorified bodies. “For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened….” (V. 4)

            We are burdened with the reality of death. If the rapture does not occur in our lifetime, we will die. Upon birth the aging process begins. Death is like a shadow that looms over everyone. This shadow exists from a darkness caused by the uncertainty and uncomfortableness of the unknown. The thought of death is burdensome. Young couples often will not talk about dying or discuss family plans, as if the mere mentioning of the subject causes death to occur.

            We are burdened with the ongoing battle with sin. “⁴²So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; ⁴³it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; ⁴⁴it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44)

            Have you struggled with any kind of unwholesome temptation lately? That is a testimony that the resurrection has not yet occurred. Believers today wrestle with moral issues, as well as with greed and idolatry. These encumbrances reveal the glorified existence has not started. The sin issue ends in the glorified body.

            We are burdened with suffering. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. ¹²Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:10-12)

            Believers are suffering for their faith around the world. Church burnings, displacement and martyrdom continue today and will do so until the great resurrection morning.

            The book of Revelation reveals that in God’s presence there will be no more pain, sorrow or death. As long as these burdens exist the resurrection has not already happened.

How do we know the resurrection is for us?

            “Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” (V. 5) The Holy Spirit is God’s promise that our resurrection will occur.

            When speaking about financially supporting global evangelism a distinction is often given between a “faith promise” and a “pledge.”  A faith promise is a promise to give as the Lord provides. A pledge is a determined amount that becomes a personal obligation, no matter what. The Holy Spirit in you is God’s personal commitment, or guarantee, that you will be resurrected. His presence is not a faith promise but a pledge. As long as the Holy Spirit dwells in you, ministers through you and is manifested by you, you have God’s personal pledge of a future resurrection and of a glorified body.

How should the resurrection affect present lifestyles?

            “We live by faith, not by sight” (V. 7). People who live only for the present are missing God’s plan for their life. This world is not your final resting place. Live by faith, press on, look for a celestial city, and expect Jesus to come at any moment.

            “So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” (V. 9) When you get up every morning make a fresh decision to serve the Lord. Determine to honor God each day. Start the morning by simply praying, “Guide me, Lord, in ways that please You.”

            In heaven you get a whole new wardrobe, inside and out.  The resurrection is the changing room of eternity.  Are you living for the moment or for eternity?  Make the right decision and live by faith!

HEAVEN ON MY MIND, 1

John 14:1-7 – ¹Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. ²In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ³And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. ⁴You know the way to the place where I am going. ⁵Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” ⁶Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

            John indicates that those following Jesus were troubled. Several things were causing this: Jesus told them He was departing, He implied He would die by crucifixion, He indicated everyone would desert Him and Peter would deny Him, He stated one from their own ranks would betray Him, and He told them they could not follow Him until much later. Anyone wanting His rule to begin immediately would be troubled.

            Social, economic, employment and international issues are causing a great sense of uneasiness today. Present day followers of Jesus are becoming equally troubled. Many are working longer hours and feeling less fulfilled. Some are facing health issues. All the medical advancement has yet to discover cures for heart disease and cancer. Many are ensnared by a variety of fears, worries and doubts. Some are living with a constant sense of dread.

            Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”  Trouble can influence the deepest recesses of your being and may not only impact your thoughts. Emotional turbulence can become attached to anxious thinking. Volitional confusion can become associated with troublesome fear.

            Followers of Jesus need divine confidence. How does Jesus encourage believers to overcome anxiety?  He gives them something to do and something to think about.

Something to do: Trust Jesus.

            Jesus said, “Trust in God; trust also in me.” (V. 1) Instead of simply believing God exist, put your faith in Him.

            When England was on the verge of one of the greatest trials any nation could ever face, invasion from another country, King George VI in his Christmas message of 1939 quoted British author M. Louise Haskins: “I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown,’ and he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.” Faith in God is the way of victory; a faith that sees opportunities regardless the trial.

            The Spirit of Christ can take the edge off the troubled heart. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

            Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

            Jesus also said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

            There are over 365 “fear not” statements in the Bible, one for each day and every season of the year. A troubled heart vanishes when you trust Jesus through all the seasons of  your life.

Something to think about: Heaven.

            When you find yourself short on confidence think about heaven. Get heaven on your mind. This place is one of the great joys connected to having a meaningful relationship with God.

            Years ago a Youth Pastor worked with me who once ministered in Kentucky. He often said, “Northerners do not talk and sing enough about heaven.” Is this why many who follow Jesus often appear discouraged? To use a Southern phrase, some are caught up with “stinkin’ thinkin.”

            There was a time when the church was accused of being so heavenly minded that it was no earthly good. Has the church now become so worldly minded that it is no heavenly good? Get heaven on your mind as a replacement for the uncertainties of this world.

            I was privileged to work with songwriter Lowell Lundstrom for a few years. His most popular songs were mostly about heaven. Songs about heaven help minimize the sufferings and worries of life.

            Another memorable moment was becoming acquainted with the songwriter Ira Stanphill, a very kind and gracious gentleman. His songs, regularly sung in churches, are mostly about heaven, many written when experiencing great personal tragedy.

            Slavery is a tragic part of American history. The songs slaves sang, in a life filled with trouble, were songs of an eternal home.

            Songs of heaven are a great source of encouragement and strength.

Heaven is real

            Jesus assures us that heaven exist. Three phrases reveal the reality of heaven: “My Father’s house… many rooms (the King James Version uses “mansions”)… a place for you.” The phrases “Father’s house” and “many rooms” are statements of a permanent dwelling. The phrase “for you” is a statement of personal designation.

            Jesus left to carefully custom create a place for your habitation. You will feel right at home with the Father. He promised to go and He did. He promised to prepare and He is. He promised to come and He will.

            “¹³Then one of the elders asked me, ‘These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?’ ¹⁴I answered, ‘Sir, you know.’ And he said, ‘These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. ¹⁶Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. ¹⁷For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” (Revelation 7:13-17)

            “³And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” ⁵He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ ⁶He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. ⁷He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.’” (Revelation 21:3-7)

            When circumstances trouble you trust Him and get heaven on your mind.

The great question: How to get to heaven?

            One of the disciples, sometimes referred to as “Doubting Thomas,” a person with a questioning nature, asked the how question. Since no one knows the actual location of heaven, how does someone get there?

            Jesus did not respond by giving a location. The location is not important. He did, however, give clear directions.

            Those who want to go to heaven have to go by way of the triple “I am,” the name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush in the wilderness.

            “I am the way.” Jesus is the road to the Father’s house. Being religious or having social status has nothing to do with the road to heaven. Being patriotic, being benevolent or being kind does not make a person deserving of the place. Jesus stated the road is very specific, requiring a meaningful relationship with God through His Son.

            Three things will surprise people when they get to heaven: Finding many there they did not expect, finding some not there they did expect, and, the greatest wonder, finding themselves there.

            “I am the truth.” Jesus is the light for the journey. Deception and delusion causes people to miss the road to heaven. Revelation 22:15 discloses what is omitted from the Father’s house: “Outside are…those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” Falsehood leaves a person blindly groping for trustworthy directions. Liars never trust anyone to give the truth and will not believe others about the Way.

            “I am the life.” Jesus is the strength to reach the destination. The road to heaven is not about striving but about abiding. The road to heaven is not about earthly fame but about heavenly prominence.

            Years ago an opinion poll asked who were “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to make it to heaven. The people selected were well known at the time. The survey gave the following results:

• 66% of Americans believed Oprah Winfrey would make the cut.
• 65% believed Michael Jordan.
• 55% believed Al Gore and Hillary Clinton.
• 52% believed Bill Clinton.
•  Here’s how others ranked:  Pat Robertson – 46%, Newt Gingrich – 40%, Dennis Rodman – 28%, O.J. Simpson – 19%.
• Mother Teresa got the highest vote with 79%.
• Yet 87% of those surveyed thought they themselves would probably go to heaven.

            On this issue everyone stands on equal ground – the way is faith, the light is truth, and the strength is Jesus.

            This story describes a fulfilled life: “Once there was an old man who everyday would take long walks with the Lord. On these walks he and the Lord would talk about all kinds of things – about the important times in the man’s life, such as when he met his wife, the birth of his children, special moments with the Lord and many other things. One day while they were out walking for an especially long time, the Lord looked at the old man and said, ‘We are closer to my house than to yours. Why don’t you just come home with me?’ And that is what he did.” You will go to the Father’s house if you simply walk with Him.

            Jesus told His followers: “That you also may be where I am.” Ultimately heaven is being with Jesus. You can presently experience a little bit of heaven each day by spending time with Him in prayer.

            Are you finding your heart troubled? Trust in Jesus and get heaven on your mind. Whatever troubles you are experiencing will not go to heaven with you. Every trouble, no matter how traumatic, will someday pass away.

LIVING WITH THE PROMISE, 5: ATTENTION

Revelation 22:10-21 – ¹⁰Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. ¹¹Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy.” ¹²“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. ¹³I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. ¹⁴“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. ¹⁵Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. ¹⁶“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” ¹⁷The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. ¹⁸I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. ¹⁹And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. ²⁰He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. ²¹The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

            The series on the Second Coming of the Lord is in three segments. The first focus is the Biblical promise of His coming.  The series entitled “Look Who’s Coming” asked four questions: Do you know Him? Are you serving Him? Are you looking for Him? Are you preparing to rule and reign with Him? In other words:  Have you entered into a meaningful relationship with God? Is the nature of your salvation reflecting a life of value instead of a life built with inferior materials? Does your lifestyle give clear evidence each day that you expect Him at any moment? Are you abiding in the Holy Spirit as an effective servant in His kingdom?

            The second focus is the Biblical signs of His coming. The series entitled “Notice the signs” was divided into two groups and reveals that Jesus can come at any moment. Ongoing signs, such as human conflict and natural calamity, give testimony Jesus has not yet come. As they continue believers are assured His return has not taken place and they have not been left behind. Closing signs are unique to the last generation: the sign of Noah, the sign of Sodom, the sign of the fig tree, and the worldwide proclamation of Good News. The closing signs are presently being fulfilled. Jesus could come today!

            The third focus is how the Biblical promise and the Biblical signs should influence the believer’s life. How should you respond? First Peter shows your activities should be influenced. Second Peter shows your attitude should be influenced. Jude shows your motivation should be influenced.  First Timothy shows your finances should be influenced.

            The final attention is drawn from the books of James, 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians: martyrdom, ministry and mission.

Martyrdom – live patiently.

            “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. ⁸You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. ⁹Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! ¹⁰Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (James 5:7-11)

            Followers of Jesus may experience cruelty and injustice. James challenges every believer to be patient and to stand firm.

            Are you being harassed at home, school, work or neighborhood?  Be patient.

            Are you sensing injustice, unfairness, bias, prejudice or discrimination?  Be patient.

            Have you come to the conclusion that life is unfair and even unbearable? Be patient.

            The concept of patience runs contrary to present social norms. Living in a microwave/microchip culture fails to equip people with this critical personality trait.

            People hardly wait for anything. Instant orange juice, instant coffee and fast food is easily available. There is instant soup and minute rice. In most department stores credit is given instantly at the check-out counter. In political, economic, social and national issues instantaneous solutions are expected to longstanding problems.

            Expecting immediate results has also crept into spiritual matters. God is now expected to work in our time frame. Concepts of time management and scheduling have been carried to an extreme. What if God sees your time differently? What if your greater need requires waiting? Do you dare have a schedule so rigid that even God cannot alter it?

            People want God to give instant answers yet easy answers do not develop perseverance and quick solutions do not develop endurance, important qualities for end-time people.

            Being patient does not suggest idleness or passivity. Look to God for ways out of agonizing situations with assurance that He does everything right. The promise is, “The Lord’s coming is near…the Judge is standing right at the door…the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

            James reminds the reader about life on the farm. Being an inner-city kid from Seattle, I did not understand the heart of the farmer until serving a church in rural America.

            Farmers are very dependent upon the elements of weather and nature. Too much rain or not enough rain can mean success or failure. Hail, blight and insects can lead to ruin. Each year farmers deal with questions about planting soon or planting late, harvest now or wait? They plant, they hope, they dream and they work but each changing season determines the yield of the harvest. If the yield is poor or the crop is ruined, they hope next year will be better.

            When all of life seems to be against you, be patient.

Ministry – encourage.

            “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸Therefore encourage each other with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

            “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, ¹⁷encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

            Are you facing what appears to be an insurmountable problem?  Jesus specializes in the impossible. Are you struggling with sin?  The Holy Spirit will help you overcome.

            Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

            A major objective in your relationships with believers is encouragement, not control. All authority has been given to Jesus.

            The objective of community is not condemnation, harassment or affliction. The objective is consolation, solace and relief. There is only a two-foot difference between “a pat on the back” and “a kick in the pants” but they are miles apart in results. Look for ways to encourage one another.

            An elderly pastor's wife was known for her ability to make positive comments about every facet of her husband's Florida ministry. The church choir, however, consisting as it did of seniors in their 70s and 80s, had defied positive but truthful comment. She finally solved the problem one Sunday morning. As the choir members filed into the choir loft, she leaned over and remarked, "Aren't they walking well this morning?"

            In the church world discipline and correction are regularly needed. They must be dealt with, however, in the Biblical model of Matthew 18. There are limitations. Reprimand is done in the smallest arena possible, where a transgressor is encouraged to personally deal with the issue. Out of a posture of encouragement instead of judgment a person is confronted about inappropriate behavior.

            In ministry to one another, encourage.

Mission – be like Jesus.

            “God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you ⁷and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels. ⁸He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ⁹They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power ¹⁰on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you. ¹¹With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. ¹²We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-12)

            The Scripture text speaks of “trouble.” You are mistaken if you believe identity with Jesus will be without cost.

            A story is told from the life of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement. He was traveling between assignments one day and noticed it had been a long time since he experienced any trouble. This bothered him. He wondered if his life was no longer reflecting Jesus. Getting off his horse, he got on his knees and began to cry out to God. Someone nearby got agitated and threw a brick that just missed him. He jumped up, shouted, “Hallelujah,” got back on his horse and rode away. If your faith in God has not caused an element of trouble, maybe you should get on your knees and cry out to God.

            The Bible warns that the message of Jesus is offensive. Those who are followers of Jesus can expect occasional moments of trouble. A difference exists, however, between being offensive and obnoxious. When being offensive, trouble is looking for you; when being obnoxious, you are looking for trouble.

            Paul wrote, “Fulfill every good purpose” and “Jesus may be glorified in you.” Doing good and glorifying Jesus offends those who make themselves enemies of God. The Gospels reveal Jesus was often criticized for acts of kindness. Whenever you act, in a manner similar to Jesus, someone is bound to misunderstand and kind fault with you. Your objective in life is not to live without trouble but to be a testimony of His Lordship.

            Challenge yourself with tough questions regularly. Can people see Jesus in me? Is my integrity a reflection of Biblical truth? Is there a clear distinction between my behavior and those who have not placed their faith in God? Do my actions line up with my confession?”

            Believers are His ambassadors, His representatives. He chose to send them instead of coming Himself. Are you being an accurate reflection of His government? Be like Jesus.

The end

            The last recorded statement of Jesus in the Bible is, “Yes, I am coming soon.”  There is no legitimate reason for doubting His return.  Your end-time response should be, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

            Until He returns live patiently, encourage one another and be like Jesus.