January 25, 2023
For the grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2 11-13
A great Day is coming! We are speeding through the stream of time toward the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus cited (Matthew 24, Luke 21) world events just before His return, the signs of His coming. Amid the frightening events of Satan’s unleashed fury is this reality: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) A major part of the end-time storms is the anger expressed toward those who preach the pure gospel of the kingdom.
The return of our Savior will be the final act of salvation. For the one “who endures to the end” (Matthew 24:13), His return will mark the completion of the redemption process.
His first coming culminated in full payment of the price of sin: a death of total separation from God. With His own precious blood Jesus paid the penalty of the broken Law. But because He was sinless, death could not hold Him!
So why are His people so sleepy and indifferent? Sadly, the overall condition of today’s church is “lukewarm” (Revelation 3:16). Jesus speaks plainly in order to alert each of us not to remain lukewarm. Jesus knocks on the door of every heart, seeking entrance! He wants to awaken us to the real, present danger of blithe complacency which leads to backsliding, our default mode. It is vital to understand the gravity of this prevailing aspect of our fallen human nature! Only a daily infilling of the Holy Spirit can lead us to the narrow gate (Matthew 7:14).
These are exciting times, filled with challenges to our faith. Our enemy is out to trip us up, but even this is subject to the sovereignty of God. He allows our faith to be tested and at the same time generously provides for the spiritual safety of every heart that is inclined towards Him.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
“He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10