PODCAST
Don’t Quit
November 22nd, 2012
Matthew 24:1-14
We are living in the days that Jesus described. Times are perilous. Some live in fear, others get discouraged and abandon their commitment to Jesus. They lose sight of their eternal reward. We should not give up when faced with difficult times. We must not quit the faith.
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Jesus is our power source. Remember when Peter wanted to walk on the water like Jesus? It was when he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed the storm that he sank. When he looked back to Jesus he was able to walk on the water again.
In the Old Testament Jacob was another example of holding on until he got what he was after. When the angel said, “Let me go.” Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Gen. 32:26). Even though his thigh was put out of joint while wrestling with the angel he hung on until he received the blessing.
Heaven awaits those who persevere. We need to trust Jesus until he comes to receive his Church. Heaven will be worth the daily effort put forth to serve the Lord.
November 22nd, 2012 at 5:31 am
“. . . others get discouraged and abandon their commitment to Jesus.”
The combination of the three version of the parable of the farmer sowing seed (Matthew 13:1-8, 18-23; Mark 4:3-8, 14-20; Luke 8:5-8, 11-15) explain that some fall away because their hearts are hard. Others fall away because of trouble or persecution; while still others fall away due to desires for worldly things, or, the worries of life.
Why don’t we classify this reality as locating the “face of God?” Is it because of
the implications of Matthew 5:8 that state that only the pure in heart see God? Or, is Matthew 5:8 referring to “the end” when we come face-to-face with HIM?
In the Old Testament, God told HIS people to search for HIS Face (2 Chronicles 7:14) and HE would heal their land. Whereas, in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 4:5), we are told that HIS glory is located in the face of Christ — commonly known as HIS love for us.
Of course, we are to live by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), but being born again brings the kingdom into sight. (John 3:3).
Also, refer to Luke 11:34.
These parables bring out the trials & tribulation of life; and, (Isaiah 48:10) refers to our refinement. We need to gather together for support through these times. (Hebrews 10:25) It ought to help church attendence
November 22nd, 2012 at 5:41 am
Please forgive the typo of 2 Corinthians 4:5. It should have been 2 Corinthians 4:6.