Pete Hammett, elder ………………………………………………………………. April 27 / 28, 2017

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.Mark 13

These events are likewise recorded in Matthew 24 and Luke 21.

Of all the creatures God has placed on the earth, only humans consider the future. While some animals will prepare for an approaching winter season: we are the only creatures that ponder a future many years away. In fact, some people make a career projecting future trends and outcomes.

In Mark 13 Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple. In response to Jesus, the disciples ask “… when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” (v 4). The disciples longing to know how the future would unfold is common to all of us. But knowing the future is not the same as being prepared for the future.

1. How we approach the word of God

Care & diligence Caution between…

o what we know with certaintyo what we think we knowo what we have yet to understand

2. The single most important point…..Jesus will return (John 14:1-3)

3. A brief note about the temple

4. Jesus describes what will occura. Signs of the times

False Christs and Prophets Wars and Rumors of Wars Earthquakes in various places (like Oklahoma) Famines Persecution because we are Christians

b. Abomination that causes desolationc. Christ Returns

5. Jesus gives Warnings and Directionsa. Watch out: Do not be deceivedb. Do not be alarmedc. Be on guard

SERMO

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d. Do not worrye. Don’t succumb to liesf. Keep watch

6. The unknowna. What we knowb. What we don’t know

Application:

1. Be on guard: Christ is telling us here (as well as throughout the New Testament) what is going to happen. We have the enemies’ battle plan. We know his strategy. So be on guard. Prepare and anticipate what‘s ahead. Be ready.

2. Do not be deceived: there will be many, many deceptions. Not boldface lies, small, subtle half-truths. Consider what we read in Matt 24:24 “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect”. Test everything.

a. 1 John 4:1-3Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already

3. Keep watch:

a. Don’t grow weary : Gal 6: 9-10 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

b. Hold firm to the faith within us . Heb 10: 23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

c. Pray : pray for the saints under persecution. Pray for the body of Christ to knitted and joined together in devotion to Christ and to one another. Pray that the word of God would be preached throughout the entire world as the promise of God takes hold. Pray: Come Lord Jesus