Every day that we are on this side of heaven, we are at war. Every day could mean that we will face a new attack from Satan or from one of the other evils in this world. We cannot escape it. What then must we do in response?
Messenger: Brian Hopkins
This passage concludes the so-called “Olivet Discourse” in which Jesus answered His disciples questions about the end of days. At the end of this discourse, Jesus promised to return at that time to rule and reign. But Jesus was careful to point out that no one knows exactly when He will return, so we must be continually ready for His return which we await eagerly.
In this second part of the “Olivet Discourse” Jesus continues His answer to His disciples’ question concerning the signs of the end of the age and of His coming again. In particular, Jesus speaks of the “abomination which causes desolation” written of by Daniel the prophet.
The Olivet Discourse – Introduction
What are my trees? Are they planted and being nurtured properly? Am I neglecting areas of my life and allowing those areas to be producers of bad fruit? Are there things in my life that grieve the Spirit of God? If so, and there are. How do I make corrections when and where needed?
There are two areas of a believer’s life which show the world around them how serious they are about their relationship with Jesus. The first is the pursuit of personal holiness, followed by active participation in an authentic Jesus loving, Bible believing, Bible teaching, Bible practicing local church.
“What is the church?” Most people respond with some reference to a building, but what would be a more succinct answer? The church is not a building but is instead THE PEOPLE who gather at a building for the sole purpose of worshipping God.
The intent for this message is to remind you of a gift from God that is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s the single greatest gift you can receive and when applied daily is the single most impactful gift you’ll ever receive. Of course I’m referring to God’s gracious gift of The Gospel.
When you include regular prayer and fasting as part of your relationship with Jesus, you will not regret it. God is faithful, He is just, and He always fulfills His promises. Especially for those who are closest to Him. You want to be closer to Jesus, start praying daily and adding in fasting for more urgent matters.
From the very beginning, God wanted every person to become more than what we ended up as. God wants us to be more than sinners. More than self-centered. More than simply good people, doing good things. Therefore, the plan was always Jesus. He wants every believer to embrace this idea of being made for more. Made for more than just this life here on Earth. Made for more than just your job. Made for more than just your hobbies. Made for more than just your struggles.
