However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:36-42 NLT
The late Anthony Burger - one of the greatest pianists of our time - told a precious story about his then five-year-old son, Austin. In the children's play, Austin played the part of Jesus. Austin knelt in the garden and prayed, "Father, I don't want to die. But I will if You want me to, 'cause I'll do anything for You." Then they attached him to a cardboard cross and afterward, they carried him across the stage to the "tomb." Little three-year-old girls were crying outside the recreated tomb, "Jesus is dead. What are we gonna do?" Anthony said you could see Austin in there with his eyes so tightly closed, and then he came out and asked, "Why are you crying? Don't cry. I'm alive! I died but I came back. I only needed it for the weekend."
Anthony choked up and said he was so proud watching his son from the third pew... until Austin walked back into the tomb. Anthony said he was a little embarrassed that his son walked back in there, thinking he messed up. Then just about that time, Austin yelled from inside the tomb, "Ready or not! Here I come!"
I've heard people make the comment, "Yeah, I've been hearing that all my life..." As if it's not true that Jesus is coming back soon. 2nd Peter 3:9-10a reads, The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act. The day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day heaven will pass away with a roaring sound. Everything that makes up the universe will burn and be destroyed.
Ready or not, He IS coming...
Prayer:
Father,
We pray for all those who have had ample opportunity to turn their lives over to You but have not yet done so. Move on their hearts again, Father. Draw them to You. Let them accept Jesus as Your Son and His Blood shed at Calvary as the atonement for their sin. Breathe new life into them, Father. Make them anew in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
The late Anthony Burger - one of the greatest pianists of our time - told a precious story about his then five-year-old son, Austin. In the children's play, Austin played the part of Jesus. Austin knelt in the garden and prayed, "Father, I don't want to die. But I will if You want me to, 'cause I'll do anything for You." Then they attached him to a cardboard cross and afterward, they carried him across the stage to the "tomb." Little three-year-old girls were crying outside the recreated tomb, "Jesus is dead. What are we gonna do?" Anthony said you could see Austin in there with his eyes so tightly closed, and then he came out and asked, "Why are you crying? Don't cry. I'm alive! I died but I came back. I only needed it for the weekend."
Anthony choked up and said he was so proud watching his son from the third pew... until Austin walked back into the tomb. Anthony said he was a little embarrassed that his son walked back in there, thinking he messed up. Then just about that time, Austin yelled from inside the tomb, "Ready or not! Here I come!"
I've heard people make the comment, "Yeah, I've been hearing that all my life..." As if it's not true that Jesus is coming back soon. 2nd Peter 3:9-10a reads, The Lord isn’t slow to do what he promised, as some people think. Rather, he is patient for your sake. He doesn’t want to destroy anyone but wants all people to have an opportunity to turn to him and change the way they think and act. The day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day heaven will pass away with a roaring sound. Everything that makes up the universe will burn and be destroyed.
Ready or not, He IS coming...
Prayer:
Father,
We pray for all those who have had ample opportunity to turn their lives over to You but have not yet done so. Move on their hearts again, Father. Draw them to You. Let them accept Jesus as Your Son and His Blood shed at Calvary as the atonement for their sin. Breathe new life into them, Father. Make them anew in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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