Sunday, 2nd February 2020
Ps Debaroh
The theme for Bread of Life Christian Church in South Auckland is Arise, Shine in 2020.
At the beginning of 2020, there was the Turkey earthquake, Australia bush fire, Wuhan virus, Africa locusts, etc. we are facing the end times and it’s a challenge for all of us.
So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?” And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the and will not come immediately.” Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. (Luke 21:7-11)
1. The Signs of End Signs
a) False Christ, b) Was and rumours of wars, c) Famines, pestilences and earthquake, d) Sights and great signs from heaven, e) Believers being persecuted, f) The situation in Israel, g) The Gospel is widely preached
2. How to be prepared – it’s dangerous to be unprepared for the end times.
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (I Peter 4:7-10)
a) Be serious and watchful in prayers – to think clearly and make things right; to stay alert and have self-control
“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. (Luke 21:34-35)
God has given us talents and resources, not for us only to satisfy our own lives. We have so many worries in our lives, things we need to do, people we need to please, bills we need to pay… it seems like we have no choice but the truth is we can choose what kind of life we want to live in – go with the world or come closer to Jesus.
b) Have fervent love for one another – to pray for one another in truth; to deal with conflicts in love; to learn the expressions of love.
When we love, it’s not just saying it but to act it out.
c) Be Faithful to complete what’s entrusted to us.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (I Peter 4:10)
A) The Great Commandment
Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:29-31)
B) The Great Commission
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
God is saying to us today, “where did you spend your time on?” We need to spend more time praying for one another, and carry out God’s mission for us!