Tag: eschatology

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: December 31, 2014

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Today’s Bible reading is Revelation chapter 22

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming soon.” The book of Revelation closes with a promise that Jesus is coming again. The return of Christ should motivate us to be faithful to the Lord. It should also motivate us to tell others about Christ and how they can be saved. In the second coming there is a promise of heaven. Knowing that we are going to live in heaven someday ought to make a difference in our lives today. The thought of heaven invokes in us a greater ambition for purity. It invokes an attitude of endurance knowing that one day our struggle with sin will be over. The second coming should inspire God’s church to a greater commitment to missions and evangelism. God knows of our suffering, service, and sacrifice. Whatever we do for the Lord will not be in vain. God will richly reward our labor. The Revelation not only concludes with a promise, but also it closes with an invitation. Verse 17 says, “Let him who is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” The great invitation Jesus gave was, “Come unto Me.” He invites sinners to come and have their sins forgiven, burdens lifted, and their tired souls rested. He says, “Surely I come quickly.” And the church says, “Amen. Even so, Come, Lord Jesus.”

Prayer: “Precious Lord Jesus, we are looking and praying for Your return. May the truth of heaven and Your return motivate Your church to a greater commitment to missions and evangelism. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: October 7, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Timothy chapter 3

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Standing on the Word of God is even more important today than ever. As the world grows more wicked and embraces more and more falsehood, we need more cable pastors and churches to preach and teach God’s truth! First, we must expect the influences of godlessness to grow and more and more of society to be impacted by it. Paul forewarned that, “In the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Timothy 3:1) As time moves forward man will plunge further into the depths of sin. We can expect it. As we live in these unholy times we must realize that evangelism can be messy. We must be willing to face a culture steeped in sinful living and false teaching. Brian Combs has challenged the church today, “If we are going to reach people who we are not reaching, then we must be willing to do some things we are not doing.” The Gospel never changes, but our methods for reaching those who are becoming more hostile toward the Gospel may need to change. Evil is growing, we must expect it, but also we must be able to detect it. Paul was fully invested in the Gospel. His teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, along with his suffering was fully known to Timothy. It was not an oddity that Paul suffered persecution, but all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer. In these devilish and deceitful days we must devour God’s Word, which is “inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 HCSB)

Prayer: “Lord, raise up missionaries, pastors, and evangelists who will faithfully stand and preach Your Word. Give us churches that will stand on the Word of God. Reveal to us how best to lay the claims of Christ upon this growingly wicked generation. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 23, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is 2 Thessalonians chapter 2

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Confusion about end times can be harmful to a believer’s faith. The Thessalonians were alarmed and shaken up due to false teaching about the “day of the Lord.” There is a lot of bizarre and false teaching bombarding God’s people today. We must be well grounded in God’s Word so that we don’t get blown off course. Don’t be fooled by false teaching, know what your Bible says. The Thessalonians were told that the “day of the Lord” had already come. Paul refuted this idea and taught them the doctrine of eschatology. To clarify this doctrine, Paul shared some of the signs God’s people should look for at the return of Christ. First, there will be a great falling away. Many will turn from the truth and away from God. Second, the “man of lawlessness” will be revealed. The Antichrist will exalt himself by defying all that is godly, defiling the temple, and desiring that all people worship him. This is Satan’s agenda and he is secretly at work in the world today. But the Holy Spirit is restraining evil, and is reaching out to the lost world through the Gospel witness of God’s church. At God’s appointed time the church will be raptured, and the Holy Spirit will cease to restrain evil, and the Great Tribulation will begin. Thirdly, there will be great deception on the earth. Satan will work through the Antichrist using counterfeit power and signs and wonders. Many will believe these lies because they have refused to love God and accept the truth of the Gospel. Those who have refused the Gospel will be condemned because they love and practice sin, and reject God and the Gospel of grace. Instead of being confused and troubled about these things, God’s people should stand firm in the faith. We should “keep a strong grip” on the teaching of the Gospel, and take comfort in our salvation through Christ and the hope of glory.

Prayer: “Dear Lord, help us to be firm in the faith, and use us to teach others about the love of the Savior. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions: September 19, 2014

randymcpheron

Today’s Bible reading is I Thessalonians chapter 5

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Jesus is coming again! The return of Christ is a great comfort to God’s people. First, we are comforted by knowing that believers will be raised. Those who have died in the Lord, God will bring back with Jesus when He returns. Believers who have died will rise from their graves. Jesus is the firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18), and just as Jesus was raised so will His followers also be raised. Secondly, we are comforted by knowing that we will be raptured. Those believers who are alive and remain at the coming of the Lord will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. Not only are we comforted by the rapture, and the resurrection of the saints, but also we are comforted by knowing that we are ready for the return of Christ. The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. Saints of God won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. Instead, we will be ready because we are children of the light. Therefore, we must live as witnesses in a dark world. Let us wear the armor of faith and love, and the helmet of the confidence of our salvation. “For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:9-11 NLT)

Prayer: “Dear Lord, thank You for comforting us with the truth of Your return. Use us as witnesses of Your unfailing love, and may we burn as bright lights in a dark world. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron