In This Issue

• THE SUN AND THE MOON DARKENED, ETC.
• WHEN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH!
• SECURITY
• UPCOMING GOSPEL MEETING SCHEDULE
• MORE INFORMATION...

THE SUN AND THE MOON DARKENED, ETC.

In Matt. 24:1-28, Jesus foretold the destruction of Jerusalem that was to take place about 40 years after He spoke. The context plainly demands that His subject was that destruction, and not what we commonly call His second coming and the end of the world.

Verses 29-31 are more difficult, and sound as if they must certainly refer to the end of the world -- but the context still favors an application of even these words to the destruction of Jerusalem. Jesus had told His listeners to watch for the Roman armies to surround Jerusalem in these cryptic words: "For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together" (Matt. 24:28). Then He proceeded, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, and He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other" (Matt. 24:29-31).

As we suggested a moment ago, even these words are found in a context completely encased in a discussion of the up-coming destruction of Jerusalem. In fact, when He gets to verse 34, the Lord says that everything He has talked about before that verse was to be fulfilled in their own generation.

We will have considerably less trouble with verses 29-32 if we go back to the Old Testament prophets and see that this is judgment language. When Isaiah foretold the downfall of ancient Babylon, he used almost identical language, Isa. 13:1, 9-10, 19. When Ezekiel foretold the the judgment to fall upon Egypt, he too used almost identical language, Ezek. 32:2, 7-8, 13. See also Isa. 19:1. Other Old Testament examples are too numerous to mention. Jesus' disciples were familiar with these prophecies and their fulfillments which had already occurred, so they were well equipped to understand Jesus' use of similar language to foretell the fall of Jerusalem. The clouds of dust and smoke would block out the sun. Those leaders heaven had allowed to exercise political power would be toppled. Those who believed Jesus and heeded His warnings would be allowed time to escape, and the city would be leveled to the ground, temple and all. All these things would be a sign, a clear indication that Jesus, the Son of Man, was now exercising rule in the heavens. His spiritual presence was there, riding upon the clouds of Jerusalem's destruction.

--CRJ

WHEN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD ISN'T GOOD ENOUGH!

Adam was created by the hand of God. He was God's special handiwork. He had a good relationship with God - it was unmarred. However, Adam's good relationship with God was not enough! Imaginary? - Adam's poor evaluation? No! God saw something lacking - "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him" (Gen. 2:18). And he did! From a rib, God made -and gave Adam a mate. You see, even in Eden, God did not replace man's need for a companion - a mate. It is bad news when any man thinks otherwise -God's wisdom says so! "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the LORD" (Prov. 18:22). "Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD" (Prov 19:14).

For any one of a number of reasons, people may choose not to marry. That is their choice! - their rightful choice! Paul chose to not marry - and even advised the unmarried to remain single because of a "distress" (1Cor. 7:26). A single person may even be in position to serve the Lord in a special way - an undistracted way.

However, ordinarily a mate fills a very important place in a person's life. A mate often meets a strong physical need. "...because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband (1 Cor. 7:2). Also, a mate defends against being alone -a widow's tragedy - "...who is really a widow, and left alone" (1 Tim. 5:5). Life expectancy is shortened by the death of a mate - even when there is a good relationship with God.

Furthermore, a mate also is expected to contribute something valuable spiritually - possibly the difference between being saved and lost. "For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?" (1 Cor. 7:16). The ideal is that they become "heirs together of the grace of life" with their "prayers not ... hindered" (1 Pet. 3:7). Thus, a good relationship with God does not replace a good marriage companionship - is not even expected to do so.

Though people have a good relationship with God, they usually feel a strong need for children. Nothing wrong there! God is not slighted! No law requires people to have children; none is usually needed. Yet children fill a special niche - not filled by God. People need children for more than money or help in old age - or to carry on the family name. There is a need for someone to love and care for - and who will respond in love. It is a normally ingrained need that no other relationship can replace - not even a good relationship with God!

A good church - a clan of Christians also fills a special need. It is a real need even for those who have a good relationship with God. Of course, people are saved as individuals - and not by churches. A Christian could find himself isolated from every other Christian - and still be acceptable to God - be saved in the last day. It is not the ideal! Some claim to need no one - no need for a congregation - no need to assemble. "I can do just fine on my own." God knew better! Even when people are devout - even with a really good relationship toward God, saints need other saints. There is a need for help in time of trouble - a need for encouragement in pursuits of right - a need for comfort in suffering - a need for edification in spiritual matters - a need for training so all develop the image of Jesus. Christians all need help! - even though they have a good relationship with God. God recognized this need just as he saw that Adam needed a mate. The local church is God's answer to that need; "...the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies...causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love" (Eph. 4:16).

You doubt the need? - the practical value of a church? Ask a Christian in some remote place where there are no other Christians: "Would other Christians be helpful?" "Do you need other Christians?" "Do you miss them?" He can obey God without anyone else! He can please God standing alone! He can go to heaven though no one stands beside him! But it will not be easy! Never discredit the value of a good church relationship. Never say, "Well, I have a good relationship with God and that is all I need." Such an idea could easily cost you your soul!

--Joe Fitch, Bible Comment #57

SECURITY

All are interested in security. Babies need it for proper development. Children suffer problems throughout life if they do not have it. Security is sought in our jobs, in marriage and in all of life. People experience great fears if they cannot look for some degree of security in old age. God is sought so we can be secure in life and in eternity.

Much of that in which people trust is a false or unreliable security. Many homes are unstable. We have seen the development of a new type of transportation, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV), that despite their appearance and gas guzzling appetite are sought - some need the extra space while many seek them for an added sense of security. Recent news has dampened this sense of security. Many are just now waking up to realize they are more likely to roll over in the event of tire trouble or any sudden turn - they have a high center of gravity. TV pictures of many deaths and serious injuries have stamped this indelibly in our minds. Another myth about security has come to light. Social Security will definitely not have enough funds to pay out claims in the not too distant future unless action is take soon. As is, much of the reserves are in the form of IOU's from the U. S. Treasury. Politicians have found it a convenient way to cover up deficits and to fund special interest projects. They have used it to get themselves elected.

Many trust in money. The farmer of Luke 12:13-21 made this mistake. Indeed, he thought "he had many goods laid up for many years." The problem was, all of his goods could not prolong his life or save his soul. He could not take it with him. Paul said, "Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17)

Multitudes trust in themselves. Many believe goodness alone will save. Just do a few good things and stay out of jail and you will reach heaven. Some, religious people like the Pharisee, think they are so good they are better than others and they stand approved of God, (Luke 18:9-14). Still others think they have power or pull to get their way, and often they do in life. One of the most valuable lessons that we can learn is NOT TO DEPEND ON OURSELVES. Paul wrote, "Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:9).

If we would find real security in life, death, and eternity, let us flee to our Rock of Refuge, to Jesus Christ, (1 Corinthians 10:4; Hebrews 6:18-20). Paul, the apostle, enjoyed a sense of security whether he lived or died because he knew the Shepherd and he had confidence he could keep his soul, (Revelation 7:17; 2 Timothy 1:12).

Do you have real security for time and eternity?

--Robert W. Goodman

"It's not the greatness of our trouble, but the littleness of our faith that makes us complain."

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