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Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on February 25, 2024 under 2024 | 
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Bethany Bible Church Sermon Message from February 25, 2024 from Ephesians 6:17b
Theme: In order to stand our ground against the attacks of the devil, we must know and use God’s word accurately.
(All Scripture is taken from The New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated).
Click HERE for the video archive of this sermon.
Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on February 24, 2024 under Ask the Pastor | Be the First to Comment
A visitor asks:
“How do I know if I’m ready for the return of the Lord?”
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Dear friend,
That’s not a mere theological matter. It’s a question of tremendous practical importance. Many of the things going on in the world right now have made most of us–who are followers of Jesus–ask whether or not we’re looking at the beginning of the times prophesied in the Bible. Of course, no one knows exactly when that time will be. Even the Lord Jesus said that He did not know, but only the Father.
But since we don’t know the day of our Lord’s coming, we certainly need to be on the alert and ready. So, in answer to your question, one of the first things someone needs to do to be ready for the Lord’s return is to make absolutely sure they have placed their trust in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Jesus said to His disciples–just before He left them;
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).
The promise that Jesus made is for those who “believe also” in Him. And for those who have placed their faith in Him and have a saving relationship with Him, His coming is not for judgment but for deliverance.
I would also say that someone should make sure that–in that faith–they are walking in a life of fellowship with Jesus faithfully and in personal holiness. That doesn’t mean that someone must be perfect–because none of us are. But their life should be characterized by an ongoing fellowship with Jesus in which they confess sin, turn from it, and seek ongoingly to walk in purity before Him. This would be to live in a way that is consistent with why it was that Jesus died on the cross for us. The apostle Paul wrote;
For the grace of God that 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, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).
As we read the Bible, and as the Holy Spirit uses the Scriptures to open our eyes to areas of our lives that need to change, we must obey Him and grow increasingly in personal holiness. That would be how we would live in a way that’s consistent with the expectation of His return.
I would also say that someone who is ready for Jesus’ return would also be characterized by a sense of joyful anticipation for it. The troubles of the world are horrible right now–and if we are indeed living in the end times, whey will become more so. We need to take all of that seriously–and weep for the suffering of people around us. But if someone is ready for the Lord’s return, they won’t be ruled by a spirit of fear or despair. They will have an underlying joy that will sustain them. I think of what the apostle Paul said just before he died for the Lord Jesus. He told Timothy;
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
If someone is ready for Jesus’ return, they will actually ‘love’ the prospect of His coming. The Bible tells us that His appearing–when it finally happens–will be a cause of dread for many people in this world; but it won’t be a cause of dread for the believer. Rather, the prospect of His appearing will be a joyful expectation of deliverance and future glory for them.
I would say that someone who is ready for Jesus’ return will be doing what He told us all to be doing–and that is to be watching and keep ready. You can’t get much more clearer than what Jesus Himself said about this;
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:32-37).
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. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:7-11).
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:23-25).
“O Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22).
Blessings,
Pastor Greg
Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on February 21, 2024 under AM Bible Study | Be the First to Comment
AM Bible Study Group: February 21, 2024 from Nehemiah 13:4-14
Theme: When we forge a compromise with ungodliness, we end up bringing about harmful consequences to the work of God.
(All Scripture is taken from The New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated).
Click HERE for the live-stream archive of this Bible Study.
Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on February 18, 2024 under 2024 | Be the First to Comment
Bethany Bible Church Sermon Message from February 18, 2024 from Ephesians 6:17a
Theme: We must defend ourselves against our spiritual enemy by keeping our minds fixed upon the certainty of our salvation in Christ.
(All Scripture is taken from The New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated).
Click HERE for the video archive of this sermon.
Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on February 14, 2024 under AM Bible Study | Be the First to Comment
AM Bible Study Group: February 7, 2024 from Nehemiah 13:1-3
Theme: Growth in sanctification unto God requires a separation from those who practice ungodliness.
(All Scripture is taken from The New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated).
Click HERE for the live-stream archive of this Bible Study.
Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on February 11, 2024 under 2024 | Read the First Comment
Bethany Bible Church Sermon Message from February 11, 2024 from Ephesians 6:16
Theme: In all circumstances, we must take up the shield of faith against the fiery darts of the devil.
(All Scripture is taken from The New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated).
Click HERE for the video archive of this sermon.
