10/6/2019 Time and the Return of Christ

PNG radio for today's culture and timeless truths come together it's recent relevant content apologetics worldview and answers to the questions that you need to know from Alex McFarlane ministries. This is true for a new generation radio and now the man who preached in 50 states and 50 days speaker, writer, and advocate for Christian apologetics Dr. Alex McFarlane know for so much of our life we think about time we try to manage our time. We try to project and budget our time and I want to talk a little bit about time and today will talk about living in expectation of Christ return and to extremes regarding time the Higgs boson particle that famously made the news about seven years ago is a particle that doesn't last for a very long time.

A Higgs boson particle exists. They believe for a zip to second a billionth of a billionth of a second has a very brief amount of time is not a billionth of a billionth of a second and then there is a long unit of time that we would call what the Bible speaks of eternity is not something that's a long long, unending unit of time, eternity, welcome to the program Alex McFarlane here truth for a new generation radio and were going to talk about Christ's return and eschatology and really a couple of things that the Bible has to say about that. I do want to encourage you to be in prayer because as we record this, we are only days away from the next truth for new generation event in Richmond, Virginia, October 11 12 2019 and there's still time to register and attend, and I'm very excited about this because were going to be talking about biblical worldview. All of our speakers are going to be talking about living the Christian life defending the faith. Things like how do we know God exists and how we know the Bible is God's word and how can we defend that Jesus rose from the dead in Christianity is unique and in a world that is growing increasingly hostile to Christianity.

How we live out our faith, but were also going to have a couple of presentations by my dear friend William J federal or and he's going to talk about the Constitution and this rush for impeachment in the impeachment hearings and frankly I asked Bill to be sure and talk about this. He is an expert on American history and the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and the amendments and how the houses of Congress function and let me just say this, you need to be in Richmond October 11 and 12 at truth for a new generation if for no other reason to learn how to intelligently and factually respond to what Newt Gingrich said in the press this week is an attempted coup, a coup d'état of our government, and I would encourage you even if you can't be a true for new generation in Richmond. Please pray please pray for the conference.

Please pray for our country. Please pray about the role God would have you to play about being salt and light in our culture will in first Thessalonians 5 2324 the word of God says this. This is Paul's prayer for those Christians and for us, he says, and may your spirit soul and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it in earlier in first Thessalonians 313 Pollard written, may he make your hearts blameless in holiness before God and the father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all of his saints. Amen. So let's talk about this Christ return living in expectation of Christ return because regarding time after this world is done after our life is over there will be no second chance. There's only eternity in eternities.

A long, long time. Choose carefully history as linear history seems to be going somewhere and you know 100 years ago the dawn of the 20th century technology was growing after the first world war. There was this mantra that was in much of the popular press every day in every way man is getting better and better and little could people of none. Not only that there would be many more wars in the 20th century, the second world war would even be more violent and bloodied than the first but also with the growth of technology would be a corresponding decrease in morality, and I think about the devices that we have now. The mobile devices in the on-demand video and wireless communication virtually everywhere and texting and all of the incredible industry that is growing up around social media. I mean people of previous generations. I don't think they could've fathomed where technology could go and would go but I also don't think they could've fathomed the great absence of morality that began 50 years ago, with the breakdown of the family and no-fault divorce.

And then there was unrestricted abortion and and really the cheapening of life. Now, all the while there was within the popular media within secular education.

Just as unrelenting drumbeat of evolution and so it's little wonder that life is so cheap nowadays because our kids from toddlerhood up are told that they're not the product of the special creator God, they're not unique.

We are merely the highest evolved primate were an evolutionary accident and the human race has been cheapened. Life is been cheapened, personhood and dignity for the individual has been cheapened and we can abort babies and that scene is as somehow a civil right. And now with the redefinition of marriage and the they really enforcement of the affirmation of homosexuality in our culture now. The pervasive belief that gender is fluid and we have lost our identity part of the problem of the modern world is we we have no identity not only do we not know what it is to be human being. We don't know what it is to be an image bearer of God in many quarters we don't even definitively know if were a male or a female and in light of this eternity still marches ever closer come back in a moment were going to talk about living in expectation of Christ return on today's edition of truth for new generation from I am a watchman ministries. Here's today's I am a watchman minute about 3000 years ago, a teenage boy named Jonathan and her friend came across the camp of an enemy army hundreds were there.

Jonathan said to his friend. Let's go get them and they did and had the victory and this is why number one, Jonathan was not doing what he wanted to do he was doing what God wanted him to do.

And here's the truth. Those who follow God's leading will find at least a blessing number two. Jonathan knew the prophecies and promises in the word he proclaimed. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few and that's a paraphrase of Moses's prophetic promise in the book of Leviticus. Jonathan knew the word claimed its promises follow God's leading and found the victory and you can to be bold, be faithful, be a watchman, I am a watchman.com. If you're a Christian parent. You of course want to instill a biblical view of life in the hearts of your children, your pastor, you want to offer ministry that draws young families to your church.

This is Alex McFarland encouraging you to check out my new book and video curriculum. The 21 toughest questions your kids will ask about Christianity. I interviewed hundreds of children ages 5 to 12 and we address actual questions from actual children. The spiritual issues that are on the minds of your kids the book and video lessons are great for groups of any size and was produced with the goal of equipping kids to stand strong for Christ in any situation. The 21 toughest questions your kids will ask the book study guide and video series. You'll find it@aastore.net that AFA store.net plane care, not afraid to ask hard questions we care about a lot of things. We are engage magazine.net online group of millennial's, brought together by a common goal to share truth apply Scripture and to get involved in are lost and hurting engage magazine.net host discussions that help you apply biblical worldview to your daily life engage magazine.net at liberty University earn more than a degree in the satisfaction of seeing what you can accomplish and what God can accomplish more than 600° options from associate 100% online more of discover God's truth through every degree at liberty University where we train champions for Christ, go to liberty\exploit: liberty\exploit: for apologetics, resources, books by Alex McFarland and to find out where Alex is speaking. Visit Alex McFarland.com back truth for new generation radio Alex McFarland here and want to thank everybody pray for the ministry and sending the financials for inviting me to preach have had a very very busy fall and I've got a lot more to do before this year is out. Text's. I'm going to be in western North Carolina would be in Florida and you can follow the schedule on Alex McFarland.com Alex McFarland.com you can sign up for our conferences truthfully generation.com and let me say as you look at 2020 and 2021 year we've already got one invitation for 2021 and growing numbers for 2020. Listen, it is more imperative than ever that we know what we believe in the reasons why, and especially that we equip our young people to know what they believe and why it would be my joy to speak with you about your church, your Christian school coming to your local college.

During a debate with an atheist or a skeptic and will do what are our very best is to help your church ramp up to present and defend the gospel here in the 21st century were talking about what I think is one of the great parts of the Christian message is the reality of Christ's return because it is an incentive to turn your life over to God and let me just say this Christ return is a biblical reality know in the Gospels Matthew Mark Luke and John give you the examples in the Gospels and in Matthew Matthew seven Jesus says that he will preside over the final judgment."

That day. He said in Matthew that he would gather the nations, and separate the entire human race like wheat from tears he commissions the angels in Matthew 1349 to 50 the Angels to separate the wicked from the just. He said that he would come in glory. He said that he he would sit on the throne of glory he would come. Matthew 24. Like a bolt of lightning from the sky.

Matthew 2427 through 31 is sometimes people say that if Christ were returning.

They would then decide to get their life right will you don't want one.

A bolt of lightning strikes you don't have time to make a choice. It's instantaneous. Matthew 24 Jesus said he would come at an unexpected time. He said that we are to be prepared for his return.

Remember, he said what I said USAID all stay awake and watch.

He said that he would come in glory. Matthew 25 one through 4031 through 46, and that he would judge the nations, and he would sit on the right hand of heavenly power and then in Mark. He said that if we are ashamed of him. He would be ashamed of us at his coming. Mark 838.

He said that he would gather the chosen ones from every direction.

Mark 1326 and following.

He compared his return to like a man gone on a long journey, who the time of his return was not known.

Mark 1334 through 37 and he said in Mark 14 that he would come back on the clouds in power and in his full Godhead, which is eternal. His deity in the book of Luke, Jesus said that he would come at a time. And that we should watch or be ready.

He said that he would come like lightning after his crucifixion and resurrection. That's Luke 1724 through 25.

He talked about coming back again at the end of the tribulation. Luke 2125 to 28. He said that his coming.

This is very interesting that we are not to be conformed to the characteristics of this sinful world. Luke 2134 through 36 and his return would be as rapid as the snapping shut of a trap and again speaking to the immediacy of his return in the in the gospel of John, Christ said that he would come after having gone to prepare a place for believers. John 14 134. He said he would come again, and an undetermined or at least unknown time of his return is implied in John 2122 and 23 so it's a reality, folks, you know the Bible only has to say something once were to be true. And yet the return of Christ Jesus himself referenced 20 times in the four Gospels, but it's a comfort. This is not something to be, you know, obsessively afraid of.

If you're a born-again believer you've given your life to Christ. It's a great comfort. I would say Christ's return is a great motivation to great incentive in Matthew 721 through 24.

When Jesus speaks of quote that day, what day the day will stand before God, Martin Luther, famously said that he only had two days in his calendar this day and that day never was living for God today appearing before God one day in the future. It's a motivation and let me said everyone listening. If you've never been saved or you you don't know that your born-again.

What an incentive to make sure that you're sure that you called upon the name of Christ and maybe if if the show prompts you to do that. Just reach out to us would love to send you a little booklet tens of thousands of people have gotten this little booklet. It says, what does God say about my relationship with him and will send you one if you need to come to Christ or come back to Christ right to us. Just you can write to me alex@alexmcfarland.com and I'll send you the disaster.

The little brown book. It will be our joy to send you one so that you can know that you'll be ready to meet the Lord one day and what a great incentive that is well. Christ's return is a promise and let me say this. People asked me. You know the world is getting dark, the world's getting violent, dangerous you know how many nations have nuclear capabilities. Now and who might someday blow up whom you would on a we do that we do pray for peace and we pray for safety and security. But what a promise to know that whatever this life throws our way. And whatever the future might hold's ultimately for the born-again believer.

We are secure in our Savior we will see him one day will be with Christ and I would say also that Christ return is a warning you at the end of the book of Revelation. After all of the the things that go on during the book of Revelation. Revelation 4 to 20, and the tribulation. In all that is unleashed by a fallen world, and a demonically empowered regime trying to kill off God and the human race as well. It's very unsettling but Revelation 22 closes by giving one more gospel invitation in the Spirit and the bride say, come. And like Isaiah 55.

In Revelation 22. Whosoever will let him take the water of life freely and so it is. It's a warning come to Christ. It's an opportunity and an off the say you can know that you are ready to make God say to folks who have another segment and will going to be talking about living expectantly. In light of Christ's return true for new generation comes back the TMG unashamed conferences coming to Richmond, Virginia, October 11 and 12. Experience core truths that make for an unshakable faith with Tina Marie Griffin Todd Starks Kemal Schilling wiki Addison Chuck Chris Meyer and William Fetter. Romans 116 says I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes come to the truth for new generation conference equipped, empowered and inspired to confidently share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is committed to impacting our nation for Christ and the future and equipping you to be a difference maker. Register now by calling 877 yes God one that's 877 yes, God, and the number one or visit the TMG website for a new generation.com. The TMG unashamed conference, Richmond, Virginia, October 11 12 dive deeper into your faith first Peter 315 tells us to be ready always to give an answer for the hope we have were instructed to be prepared to defend our faith. This is Alex McFarlane for the life answers teams students we train at North Greenville University, a leading Christian college in South Carolina.

The life answers. Teams are made up of students who will inspire and equip your congregation. These apologetics teams. We train speaking in churches to youth groups and train Christians of all ages to address key issues of our times. From a biblical perspective like is there a God is the Bible true.

What about gender and moral issues. Call me at 864977 2008 and we will arrange for the life answers team to come to your church and give a presentation that will benefit your people for years to come.

864-977-2000 eight and always be ready in the midst of a culture obsessed with relativism. Alex McFarlane is a voice you can trust to speak the timeless truths of Christianity in a timely way. You're listening to the truth for a new generation radio back to the program Alex McFarlane here. So glad to be with you were talking about the return of Christ and and I will give you four things to aspire to. As we anticipate our meeting with Jesus to be sound blameless holy and pure. The words sound to stay or be kept sound. What what does that mean what the word really means preserved to be guarded and protected to be preserved. You know the Christian life consists of the new birth, but also sanctification now sanctified means set apart to be increasingly conformed to the image of Christ, which by the way, is a great evidence of the reality of the gospel in a we teach people apologetics do you know that you your self are an apologetic if if your life is exhibiting a life changed by and controlled by Jesus.

First Peter 215. This is the will of God, that by doing well. You will put to silence the arguments of foolish men say like it like a say you are exhibit a of God's power to change a life so we can do apologetics. You are an apologetic and that's what the word of God says that we are to stay preserved or literally guarded over to be kept sound as first Thessalonians 523 says really means to be preserved from without. Maybe it's like putting food in in a refrigerator to keep it from spoiling.

Aren't you glad that if we will let him if we won't fight against it that the Holy Spirit of God will keep us preserved guarded over you not think about how it talks about the Spirit guiding us and steeling us and we are to stay in this preserved sanctified holy obedient state for our Lord, and especially so as we anticipate his return were to be blameless. Now it's interesting there are a couple of words for blameless in the New Testament. One is a word, a member Thomas a M EM PT US and it really means un-blame or above reproach. Because of being morally pure.

That's first Thessalonians 523 we are to be blameless. Now we're not sinless. We even a born-again Christian sands now positionally they are in Christ, but our salvation determines our position, our daily walk determines our our fellowship or are yielded in salvation using Lord to minimize life, save me Lord, I want to be born again. The new birth speaks to his son ship our daily walk speaks to fellowship and we are with God's help and for God's glory to live a life that is blameless and it really means unblamable doesn't mean were perfect doesn't mean that work on some moral high horse and were all sanctimonious, but it doesn't mean that because our sins been washed away and because the blood of Jesus has cleansed us the spirit of God indwells us the righteousness of Christ has been imparted to us in gratitude and obedience. We are to live with Christ as our master and Lord unblamable above reproach because of Mark being morally pure. First Thessalonians 313 uses the word blameless and it really means without fault or defect.

See you are in the eyes of your Savior. You're a saint. Your imparted imputed with the righteousness of Christ and we we need to live in our actual identity very often will say, you know, I'm just a safe center and and that's true. Delete. We are but really in the eyes of God. We are a saint. We are without fault or defect. Thanks to the righteousness of Jesus.

So we need to live like that and behave in accord with our true nature universe.

Thessalonians 313 says, may he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus. We are to be holy and really this is the word for sanctification yeah I like how Strong's concordance handles this word holy in holiness and it speaks to know is this is beautiful. The Holy Spirit's influence of preparing the believer for eternity. God's sanctification says strong God.

Sanctification brings the gift of holiness. So the believer can fully enjoy eternal life now and in the hereafter. End of quote. Okay Christ is coming and we look to that in our heart is to be blameless.

Our life is to be holy. Now think about this enjoying holiness is not something, but yet it is a joy to know that we are right with God and as the song says it is well with my soul and in Philippians 110. I want to read Philippians 110 which is a great verse regarding this. He says in Philippians 1. I thank my God every time I remember you and all my prayers. Verse six being confident of this very thing. He who began a good work in you now goes on and it says so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. Now what does that word pure mean in Philippians 110 would be sound blameless holy sure the word means on contaminated is not something uncontaminated about the way let's talk about the light of the gospel in the light of our Christian witness because you know so often nowadays Christians are maligned but listen, Dylan. The lightbulb really made a big splash on the world reading a biography of Edison and the others that worked with Edison. You know the Europeans and Americans to get the world electrified and finally there was a street one time in Paris that they Edison and others worked to him, put up streetlights and they turn them on and one newspaper reporter said that the, the lights in the nighttime sky were quote unearthly obnoxious to the human eye. The novel is Robert Louis Stevenson talked about the streets, lit in nighttime Paris and he said lights will cause nightmares.

If we illuminate the darkness with light bulbs. People the world over will have nightmares and there was a pushback against light. Well it didn't happen. People don't have nightmares and I'm thankful we can have electric lights at night. But here's the thing people react in different ways to light, and light is a good thing because it helps us see our way through the darkness just like the light of Jesus helps us see our way through this life and be prepared for eternity.

I hope you are sound blameless holy, pure, by God's power for God's glory in the light of the same return of Christ for which we must all be prepared.

In the meantime, in this increasingly dark world. Let's live in the light and let shine the light so that all may TMG radio is made possible by the friends of Alex McFarlane ministry, PO Box 10231 is Burrell, NC 27404. That's PO Box 10231, Greensboro, NC 27404 call us at 877 yes God one that's 877 yes, God, and the number one or give online@alexmcfarlane.com while you're there, listen the program archives. Read Alex's blog invite Alex to speak at your event or contact Alex with a question or comment, Alex McFarlane.com.

Thanks for listening today and join us again next time is we bring you more true for a new generation TMG radio