The four Blood Moons. The Shemitah. The Stock Market Crash. All kinds of things are being trumpeted as heralds of the end of life as we know it and the coming of the Lord. Some people are responding with fear and anxiety. Others are shaking their heads and shrugging it off. Many don’t know what to think about it all. Even though I have addressed it before, I thought that in the midst of all the last days crazy, I should remind us of three very important things regarding the return of the King.
Prophecy
A Kingdom Coming
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The people of God in Jesus’ day had an expectation of a Kingdom that was coming. They were looking for a time when God would reign as their King and life would be very different. It would be helpful to look at some of the prophecies that served as the basis of their hope.
That Which Endures
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Have you ever made an investment that didn’t turn out the way you thought it would? I bet most of us have at one time or another. The truth is we invest in things all the time. We invest in people, products, financial institutions, businesses, and the list goes on. Out of all the investments we make, we want to be absolutely certain that we are investing in that which endures.
We Are Bankrupt Without This…
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The vast majority of western society cares a lot about how they appear to others. They want those around them to think they are smart, strong, handsome, pretty, competent, etc. It’s really no different in the Kingdom. We prefer people to think we are gifted, dedicated, knowledgeable, and the like. While all these things are good, there is one ingredient that is absolutely essential above them all. In fact, without this ingredient we are absolutely bankrupt.
Extending the Kingdom
Nowhere in Scripture are we ever told to “build the Kingdom of God” here on earth. There are preachers and teachers that will say that, but nowhere do we find this idea supported in the Word of God. God’s Kingdom is the exercise of God’s authority. It is God reigning. And because His reign is firmly established and will never come to an end, it cannot be contested or improved upon. It can, however, be extended. There are three primary ways we can work with the Lord to extend His reign. Can you guess what they are?
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Living in the Reign 