Sunday September 17, 2017

Epistle: Ephesians 6: 10-24

Gospel: Mark 13: 14-37

Psalm: Psalm 100/101

Friends,

Stand strong in the Lord Jesus Christ. Today’s epistle says:

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Be strong friends, the devil has many schemes running at once even within the church, the Body of Christ. So many teachings, so many denominations and doctrines. So many groups claim to be the one true church while they espouse their own peculiar doctrine.

Whosoever calls upon me I will in no wise cast out. What can this mean? Calling on Jesus is not a one time event but all of the day and night we call upon and rely on Jesus. He is our salvation, He is our life and we must put on the whole armor to understand this. Faith, Hope, and Charity or Love that is active. We do not rely on our physical eyes or senses to see the truth or to live the truth for our battles are spiritual and not physical, even the one who attempts to mug you or rape you is guided spiritually by a demon. This is what we must recognize.

We will fight these battles until the coming of the Lord even though He is among us in spirit guiding us He will return alive in the new body in which we shall all receive. His angels are also among us guiding us, I have seen them, I have seen their protection in times of distress and danger. However, we must also take action starting with our faith because it is our faith that allows the us to get through the trying times of the world.

Our gospel today speaks of prophecies, some of which has come true, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, the Abomination of Desolation standing where it does not belong; these things have taken place. But do not be deceived, we do not know when the return of our Lord will be. You must stay away from anyone who predicts a time or day or hour of the return. Jesus said to watch for you do not know. Jesus is the final word on any subject. Watch for we do not know. Prophets do not speak in timelines, often they can be mixed up with the immediate future and a future that is centuries away. In the reading of these prophecies they may give the appearance of following some time order or to be very near.

Jesus said to not be fooled; there will be no doubt when Jesus has returned, anyone else who comes and performs what appear to be miracles and says that he is the Christ is a liar and a thief. We will know, we will not have to be told, we will not need to see any miracles, there will be no doubt, and the whole world will know and bow to His majesty immediately.

As in the psalms; sing to the Lord, praise His name regardless of circumstances in life. Praise the Lord. Never cease to pray and above all; love. God is love and my brothers and sisters we must love one another. Do not be put off by those who claim to be the only true ones. Love, this is from Almighty God.

Little children, love one another; because this is our Lord’s command and if you fulfill this, nothing else is needed.

Remember; if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all iniquity.

In Christ.