The Lord’s Patience
We are living in the last days and so were the disciples. They wanted to know what would happen to them just as we want to know today. Jesus’ answer was not the happy prophecy they probably wanted to hear.
After all, they were Jews and descendants of Israel and Abraham. They had been promised a land overflowing with milk and honey.
Instead they got “wars and rumors of wars”, false prophets, famines and earthquakes. Calamities no one wants to experience.
However, when we look to Scripture as we do in tonight’s sermon, we gain understanding why we must endure these last days. Here is the sermon text from Matthew 24,
Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. 2 But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
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Announcements
Lenten Season – We are in the midst of our Lenten season. The Wednesday evening services will be posted online.
Voters Meeting – The next meeting is set for March 7 at 3:00pm via Zoom. Please contact Pastor or Sean for a Zoom link if needed.
NEW Bible Information Class: All are welcome to join – whether it’s your first time or a refresher – we meet on Sundays at 9:30am. Please let Pastor know ahead of time if you plan to attend.
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Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday for mailing on Wednesday. Remember if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person their permission must be obtained.
Prayer during a pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.