Saturday, January 29, 2005

Stay Alert Luke 21:8

"8 He replied, "Don't let anyone mislead you. For many will come in my name, claiming to be the Messiah and saying, 'The time has come!' But don't believe them. 9 And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don't panic. Yes, these things must come, but the end won't follow immediately." 10 Then he added, "Nations and kingdoms will proclaim war against each other. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and epidemics in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs in the heavens. 12 "But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will be accused before kings and governors of being my followers. 13 This will be your opportunity to tell them about me. 14 So don't worry about how to answer the charges against you, 15 for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply! 16 Even those closest to you – your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends – will betray you. And some of you will be killed. 17 And everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish! 19 By standing firm, you will win your souls.

20 "And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. 21 Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Let those in Jerusalem escape, and those outside the city should not enter it for shelter. 22 For those will be days of God's vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled. 23 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for mothers nursing their babies. For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 They will be brutally killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be conquered and trampled down by the Gentiles until the age of the Gentiles comes to an end. 25 "And there will be strange events in the skies – signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And down here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. 26 The courage of many people will falter because of the fearful fate they see coming upon the earth, because the stability of the very heavens will be broken up. 27 Then everyone will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds with power and great glory. 28 So when all these things begin to happen, stand straight and look up, for your salvation is near!"

Signs for the Lord's return have always been in place and will continue to be. we must stay awake and alert. Tsunami's and wars- rise of rebellon and crime- need to encourage us to serve our King. 'How can we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" Jesus is the way. There may be some who read this and mock, sneer, laugh- you are not doing that to believers- you are doing that to Christ.
Please- turn to Jesus today. He offers forgiveness, love, and reconciliation to the Creator, the Father, the God of the Universe!

Don't gamble on yourself and your mind or emotions- gamble on the truth of the Bible. It is His word to you!

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