Tag: christianity

Morning Reading: Luke 21.5-32 NLT – don’t panic / stand firm

Reading: Luke 21:5-32 NLT

Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

Stones from the destruction of the temple in 70 AD.
Stones from the destruction of the temple
in 70 AD.

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”

He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.”

Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.

“But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! Even those closest to you — your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends — will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.

“And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived. Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get out, and those out in the country should not return to the city. For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people. They will be killed by the sword or sent away as captives to all the nations of the world. And Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the period of the Gentiles comes to an end.

“And there will be strange signs in the sun, moon, and stars. And here on earth the nations will be in turmoil, perplexed by the roaring seas and strange tides. People will be terrified at what they see coming upon the earth, for the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. So when all these things begin to happen, stand and look up, for your salvation is near!”

Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place….”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – Give me the boldness to declare the Good News of your Kingdom at every opportunity… and give me the courage to stand firm, no matter what befalls us as the people of God. May all I do honor you. Amen.

Spiritual Songs: “Days of Elijah” – Robin Mark

5th Sunday of Easter: Revelation 21.1-5a (NLT) – the new Jerusalem

Reading: Revelation 21.1-5a NLT

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

Valerie Anne Kelly
The new Jerusalem
Valerie Anne Kelly

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”

Anthem: “The Holy City” – Stephen Adams / Frederic Weatherly

Muslim Europe: Opportunities for Evangelism – YouTube

Refugees in Athens, Greece
Refugees in Athens, Greece

Peanut Gallery: People are most open to the Gospel when they are experiencing crisis (e.g. death of a loved one) or change (e.g. transition to a new community). Both of these conditions apply to Middle Eastern and African refugees traveling through Istanbul and Athens in search of a better life in the West. Dr Dwight Ekholm (Entrust)  discusses ministry opportunities in Athens with these refugees. Fascinating insights into God at work in the Middle East.

Notice how Dr Ekholm carefully avoids identifying specific people and places. Evangelism in the Middle East is a dangerous business.

Special thanks to agnus dei for bringing this interview to our attention. Please check out the “Agnus Dei” blog here.

Published on Apr 23, 2013

Dr. Darrell Bock at Dallas Theological Seminary

In Part 1 of this series, Dr. Bock and Dr. Ekholm discuss Dr. Ekholm’s work with refugees in Europe and the opportunities for ministering to Muslims in a Western, secular context.

http://www.dts.edu/thetable/play/musl…
00:00 Dr. Ekholm’s Ministry in Greece
9:05 European Concerns Regarding Open Borders, Immigrants and Refugees
13:57 Dr. Ekholm’s Ministry in the Middle East
18:59 What Draws Muslims to the Gospel?
http://www.dts.edu/thetable/play/musl…
22:11 Issues in Ministering to People From Islamic Backgrounds
http://www.dts.edu/thetable/play/musl…
27:09 Teaching New Believers How to Study the Bible
30:13 Is There a Particular Gospel that Draws Muslims the Most?
http://www.dts.edu/thetable/play/musl…

“We are committed to you as a brother in Christ and we’re not just doing this because this is our job.”

Morning Reading: Luke 21:1-4 NLT – giving

Reading: Luke 21:1-4 NLT

widows-miteWhile Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – I surrender myself and all that I have to you. You are the source of every good thing in my life… you own it all. May I offer my gifts to you proportionately as you have blessed me… systematically from the first and best of any increase… and cheerfully as a continuing act of worship. I came into this world with nothing, and I will leave this world with nothing. To God be the glory. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “I Surrender All” – Judson W. Van De Venter (1896)

Morning Reading: Luke 20:41-47 NLT – beware of phonies

Reading: Luke 20:41-47 NLT

Then Jesus presented them with a question.

“Why is it,” he asked, “that the Messiah is said to be the son of David? For David himself wrote in the book of Psalms:

‘The LORD said to my Lord, Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.’

Since David called the Messiah ‘Lord,’ how can the Messiah be his son?”

The Archangel Michael defeating Satan Guido Reni (1635)
The Archangel Michael defeating Satan
Guido Reni (1635)

Then, with the crowds listening, he turned to his disciples and said, “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces. And how they love the seats of honor in the synagogues and the head table at banquets. Yet they shamelessly cheat widows out of their property and then pretend to be pious by making long prayers in public. Because of this, they will be severely punished.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus – I pray today for your Church (your Bride)… in all its shapes and forms throughout the world… protect her from the schemes and ploys of Satan. Cleanse her leadership and purify the hearts and minds of all whom you call to serve your people. Guard your flock from the wolves that prowl among your sheep seeking to devour them. And send your guardian angels to defend them in every race, tribe and nation. I ask it for your names’ sake. Amen.

Hymn: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” – Martin Luther (Glad Band)