Luke 21- Return of Christ

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And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.  Luke 21: 25-28

Jesus taught us alot about his return, so we know The Lord will be returning soon, but when? First off, Jesus said “Nobody will know the day or hour, only God the Father” (Matthew 24:36) So I’m not going to be predicting when Christ returns, however Jesus told us about “signs” to watch for His return. There will be signs in the Sun, the Moon, the Stars, ect ..what? We need to stay aware of our surroundings, sounds easy, but in a day and age of technology where most people just stare at a device it might be challenging for many. There are many things happening around us that most don’t even notice because the majority of the world is distracted of reality.

Jesus tells us that before His return “People will faint from fear and anxiety” , doesn’t that sound like the world today? Most of the world today is living in fear, mental illnesses are through the roof, could this be an indicator of Christ’s return? Natural disasters, wars, famines, and plagues, these are all signs of Christ’s return, we can check off all these boxes , could the day of The Lord be coming closer and closer? If it did happen today are you ready to meet Christ face to face? 

Jesus said “You will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds” this of course is a reference to Daniel’s prophecy in Daniel 7, Jesus calling himself the Son of Man is affirmation He is the Christ, the Messiah, The Son of God Daniel saw at the throne in Heaven. But also Jesus said “Every eye will see Him” (Revelation 1:7) This is not going to be a secret or missed event, the entire world will know when Jesus returns, those who are not saved are going to try and hide in caves for the fear of God. (Isaiah 2:19) But those who are Born Again , will be rejoicing for The Lord has returned for His Church

Now all of this might be giving you anxiety , however Jesus said “Lift your heads up for redemption is near” meaning the world may seem like its out of control and falling apart, but God is in complete control. We can have peace knowing that the Prince of Peace is in control. The Lord is King of all Kings, all nations and governments rest on His shoulders, don’t fear what man can do to you, because Christ has already overcome the world

It’s time to do an Oil Check, is your Lamp full? (Matthew 25) Instead of living in fear and anxiety , lift up your head because Christ is coming back soon, Amen!

Luke 21- The Great Commission

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Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. Luke 21:10-15

So you think it’s going to be easy being a Christian? Jesus was revealing to his disciples what to expect in the very near future. That a great persecution is going to happen to the Church, they will be put in prison and even killed for the name of Jesus. And we seen this fulfilled by all the Apostles, and it’s still happening today as Christians are being killed on a daily basis for their faith. 

Often people believe Christianity is an easy way into Heaven, however as Jesus taught its totally the opposite. As Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, they must deny themselves and carry their cross daily” (Luke 9:23) Jesus was preparing us for the long road ahead, this is a spiritual warfare you are involved with in this world, however have peace because Jesus has already overcome the world! (Ephesians 6, John 16:33)

Notice what Jesus says here “You are a testimony for God” Any suffering or persecution you may encounter is to bring Glory to God, to show others the victory of your faith in Christ. Also Jesus said “Don’t worry about what you are going to say , I will give you wisdom which nobody can refute” Often we are afraid to witness to non believers or stand up for our faith, but Jesus assures you He will give you wisdom and understanding beyond human comprehension

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls. Luke 21:16-19

One of the great failures of the Church today is trying to get the world to love and accept them. Jesus said “You will be hated by everyone because of Jesus” , so why is the Church trying to get everyone to like them? Often the Church comprises itself with sin to be acceptable in the world, but we are not to conform to the ways of the world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2)

Before Jesus ascended he gave us The Great Commision “Make disciples of all the nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) We are to go out into the world and tell everyone the “good news” about Jesus Christ, this is your job as a Christian. And when you evangelize, you’re probably going to run into opposition, because the world hates the real Jesus! But Christ gave us the affirmation to stay strong and preach his words because you are already victorious by the blood , the water, and the Spirit of God

Until Christ returns , its not going to be an easy ride, there’s going to be persecution, there’s going to be trials and tribulations, take Heart because Jesus has already overcome the world, Amen

Luke 21- Destruction of The Temple

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And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? Luke 21:5-7

The destruction of The Temple in Jerusalem is a central event in not only Christianity but world history. Jesus foretold of the destruction of the temple, however many disregarded his multiple warnings. The religious leaders even tried to use his prophecy as a charge of blasphemy against Christ. One thing that can’t be denied is the temple destruction in 70 A.D. is a historical fact. And the world was never the same again since its destruction

When Jesus accomplished his work at the cross, stating “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) This was the fulfillment of the Old Covenant, the fulfilment of The Law, the fulfilment of the sacrificial system, the fulfilment of the priest line. Jesus accomplished and fulfilled it all, and the destruction of The Temple is evidence of its accomplishment. Without a physical Temple Jews can no longer “Keep the Torah”, its impossible without a Temple, which was never rebuilt again. 

Because Jesus Christ is our High Priest, Jesus is our Passover Lamb, Jesus is the Living Word of God, Jesus paid it all for us

And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. Luke 21:8-9

Jesus warned us there would be many false religions and false prophets to rise up throughout the ages. As Jesus said “Don’t be deceived” just because someone using the name of Jesus doesnt mean they are of God, for example the Mormons are completely Anti-Christ even though they use the name of Jesus. They preach a different gospel, let them be accursed (Galatians 1:8)

As Jesus warned us, there will be many wars, don’t be afraid. We have seen these throughout the centuries, world wars, keep your eyes focused on Christ. Don’t allow the turmoil of this world take you away from Jesus, keep your lamps lit until Christ returns!

If you want some historical evidence of Christ existence, study the history and destruction of the Jewish Temple, the New Covenant is here through Christ Amen!

Luke 21- Widows Offering

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And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. Luke 21:1-4

What would it take to impress Jesus? Some believe its building a mega Church filled with thousands of people, some would believe its saying many words in a prayer in front of a crowd to impress them, but the New Covenant of Jesus is all about the heart. If you haven’t caught on to that theme, look again over the writings of the gospels in the New Testament. Jesus isn’t impressed by your looks, He’s not impressed with your title or status, he’s not impressed by your income status, Christ examines the hearts and minds of all people!

Here’s a little background for our scripture today, a widow back during the 1rst century couldn’t support themself financially. So it goes to show you just how poor this woman was, she had no fiances coming into her household, she had no husband to support her, so this woman was literally giving God everything she had, this is true worship of the heart. The “mite” was the smallest coin during that time period, so this would be equivalent to giving 2 cents into the offering plate. But this was all this woman had to support herself as Jesus said “This woman gave all she had to live on “ (verse 4)

Now to the world , where we like to track numbers and statistics, this woman gave probably the least amount of money then anyone there, but Jesus said “The poor widow has put more in than all the others” in Christ eyes, the woman gave more than all the rich men that were there that day, why? Because these men didn’t give from their heart, they gave to put on a show for others, they gave out of obligation, they didn’t truly trust in The Lord with all their heart

Even though this woman was poor but worldly standards, she loved God and trusted He was going to provide for her. Do we have that faith to put it all in The Lord’s hands? Or do we hold tight to this world to save us? We trust in our money, we trust in our medicines, we trust in our governments, but how many trust in God? We have a heart issue, and there is only one Great Physician who has the cure, Jesus Christ, Amen

Luke 20- Don’t Be A Legalist

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Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples, Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. Luke 20:45-47

You often hear people say the phrase “You are a Pharisee” or “Don’t be a legalist” they are often referring to the religious leaders of the New Testament. These were men who devoted their whole lives to studying scriptures and training to be High Priests, yet they were some of the most wicked people on the planet. How and why did this happen? Because as Jesus said “They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Matthew 15:8) They were hypocrites, they never truly loved God they loved the thought of God

Reading your Bible and going to Church are great things, but they mean nothing if your heart is still hardened. This is why Jesus said “Unless you are Born Again, you will not see the Kingdom of Heaven” (John 3:3) You can memorize scripture and do religious practices but do you truly love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? This is why James said “Faith without works is dead” (James 2) you can pretend to be a Christian, but what fruit are you producing? Jesus said “We will be known by our fruit” (Matthew 7) Often times your actions speak louder than your words

The religious leaders didn’t really love God, they loved the power, they loved the money, they loved the prestige that came with being a High Priest. They abused their authority, they preyed on the weak, they were wolves in sheeps clothing. We see this alot today in the Church also, many religious leaders falling into sin and being total hypocrites. Jesus said “Beware of the scribes”, this was a shocking message to his audience, they all respected and honored their authority. However these were the same men who killed the Son of God, so much for being righteous

So what does this all mean? Well first off , don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Just because there were corrupted leaders back then and today doesn’t mean everyone was or is corrupted. We still have Godly leaders in the Church today and there were some good Pharisees during Jesus times also. We just need to make sure what they are doing and saying is Biblical and not contrary to Gods nature and Law

Most important is our own self reflection, make sure that we ourselves are not hypocrites. If you spend any time on social media , you will run into alot of “Pharisees” , don’t be like these people, they are only bringing condemnation on themselves. Everything you do, do it all for the Glory of God and worship Him in Spirit and Truth, Amen