The One Who Endures to the End Will Be Saved
Evil surrounds us every day. This isn’t said to incite fear or be pessimistic, rather, it is our stark reality. Knowing the enemy’s tactics is a kind of encouragement because we know evil will not relent. However, neither will Christ. Christ warns us, that as Christians, we are not immune to suffering but rather we will be targets. However, he also tells us to endure in faith!
What does it mean to endure in the faith? Well, we know that the Holy Spirit gives us our faith. Further, we know that our fight is with the world, our flesh, and the devil. Finally, we know that the fight has already been won by Jesus Christ. But we can still fall away.
While the world, our flesh, and the devil all want to tempt us away from our faith, our job is to stand firm in that faith. We endure, for the promise of heaven is waiting for us.
Here is the context of today’s sermon text from Mark 13:
And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5 And Jesus began to say to them, “See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
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Announcements
Bible Study: You are invited to join us! We have two classes every week. The first one meets Sunday mornings at 9:45 am in person and is covering The Power & Primacy of the Pope.
The second one meets on Wednesday nights at 7 pm via Zoom and is covering the Book of Revelation. If you would like to attend the Zoom class, please let Pastor know and he will add you to invite.
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