Jesus Is Coming Soon

by: Rev. Leon Aguilera

Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3). I recently heard a man tell that he and his family were watching their college alma mater play another team in a championship game. It was a real tense time as the family watched their team get trounced on in the first quarter, then the first half. In the third quarter momentum was found by their team and by the fourth quarter there was a complete turnaround and their team won. A few weeks later this dad was watching a re-run on one of the sports channels and he said he was completely relaxed, even when the opposition was leading by two goals and extra points. He tried to stay awake, but finally turned off the television and whispered to his wife, “We can go to sleep because we know how this turns out.” There is so much happening today that is enough to frighten the average person. We who are Christians and have studied the Bible know how this is going to turn out. So we can obey what Jesus said to do when He said, “Let not your heart be troubled….” Let me give you a very basic outline as to why I believe Jesus is coming soon and what we can do in light of this knowledge.

1. I believe Jesus is coming soon because He said He would return.

Jesus said, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3).  We are to look with anticipation to the return of the Lord. Jesus said, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). The return of the Lord is closer than we think.

2. I believe Jesus is coming because of the attitude and atmosphere of the world in which we now live.

The many skeptics who mock the return of the Lord do not realize that their attitude toward the coming of the Lord was prophesied and actually becomes a sign of the times that Christ’s return is near. Peter prophesied, “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (II Peter 3:3,4).

God’s Word says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (II Timothy 3:1). As we read II Timothy 3:2-7, we see the times spoken of match perfectly this present world in which we live.

3. I believe Jesus is coming soon because of the proven accuracy of Bible prophecy.

Let’s begin with the promise of the Lord’s return as given in the Bible: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (I Thessalonians 4:16, 17).

How can I believe this promise of our Lord’s return will come to pass? Let me give you something that is beyond human explanation. God said through the prophet Daniel, “Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself…” (Daniel 9:25,26a).  Here Daniel prophesies that from the time the decree by King Cyrus would be given to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem until Christ would enter Jerusalem to die would be sixty-nine sets of seven years.  This would be four hundred and eighty three years or 173,880 days. Using the Jewish number of days in the year (360 days), we see a marvelous prophecy.  From the decree made by the king on March 5, 444 BC until March 30, 33 AD, which was the day that Christ rode into Jerusalem, is exactly 173,880 days.

If we can trust the Bible’s accuracy for Christ’s first coming; we can trust the Word of God for His second coming..

4. I believe Jesus is coming soon because of the alignment of the nations just before the Lord returns.

When we read the prophecy of Ezekiel 38: 1-6 and see the names of the countries mentioned, Magog (Russia), Persia (modern Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan), Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer, and all his bands (many authorities say this speaks of Germany and surrounding neighbors), and Togarmah (Turkey).  According to Bible prophecy these nations will form an alliance and come against Israel.  Before the re-establishment of Israel as a nation in 1948, many of these areas of the world had little to do with each other.  Now when we open the Scriptures it is like reading present day news.  These countries coming against Israel will happen soon before the Lord returns. We must be near!

The Bible says, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (II Peter 3:11).  In light of the Lord’s return, how then shall we live?  C.S. Lewis said, “It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this one.”  Joseph Stowell wrote, “When we begin to believe the reality of the other side, we start behaving differently on this side.”

A. Be Patient; Don’t Panic

“Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8).  The word “stablish” is the Greek word “sterizo" meaning “to set fast, i.e. [literally] to turn resolutely in a certain direction.”

B. Be Devoted; Not Detoured

The Bible says, “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure” (I John 3:3). It is so easy to become so pre-occupied with this present world that we begin to acclimate rather than stand out as lights in the darkness to show a contrast of lifestyles. It is only when we live like Christ that we will effectively influence others to embrace Him.

C. Be Soul-Conscious; Not Self-Conscious

Paul said, “…I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (I Corinthians 9:22). This is not the time to “hole-up” and wait for Jesus to return; more than ever we need to obey the admonition of Jesus: “…Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13).

D. Be Fearless; Not Fearful

In the comic strip “Peanuts” Snoopy was writing a book and he began, “It was a dark and stormy night….” Lucy said, “Silly dog, don’t you know that every good story starts with “Once upon a time?”  So then Snoopy begins, “Once upon a time, it was a dark and stormy night.”  No matter what, Snoopy could not get past the dark and stormy night.  In the same manner, many are fearful and afraid to face the future. For the Christian and observer of Bible prophecy we see past the dark and stormy night into the “happily ever after.”  If we take these Bible verses seriously, how can we not only be optimistic, but fearless?  “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand” (II Thessalonians 2:1,2).  “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (I Thessalonians 5:9-11). “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (I Thessalonians 4:18).

Sermons

The Wise Embrace Authority (September 14, 2014)
The Foolish Man (September 7, 2014)
Guest Speaker: Peter Pellegrino (August 31, 2014)
Don't Shrink the Lord (August 24, 2014)
Guest Speaker: Tim Bruce (August 17, 2014)
Let's Do This - Guest Speaker: Lowel Hoxie (August 10, 2014)
A Cry From Wisdom (August 3, 2014)
My Cup Runneth Over (July 27, 2014)
Thy Rod and Thy Staff Comfort Me (July 20, 2014)
He Restoreth My Soul (July 13, 2014)
The Lord is My Shepherd (July 6, 2014)

OUR WAKING MOMENTS

by: Rev. Leon Aguilera

Psalm 8:1-4, “To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. (2) Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. (3) When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; (4) What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?”

Job 7:17-18, “What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? (18) And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?”

Prayer is a powerful thing, for God has bound and tied Himself thereto.  -Martin Luther

How humbling it is to realize God has visited us and desires to visit us daily and often. The world would love for us to buy into the philosophy of God being at a distance watching us, but He is as close as the mention of His name! The verse today reminds us that God visited with Job every morning. It also tells us that moment by moment Job was aware of his presence. I think there is a definite connection to spending the first part of your day with the Lord, and experiencing a fresh awareness of His presence throughout the day.

Let God have your first awaking thoughts; lift up your hearts to Him reverently and thankfully for the rest enjoyed the night before and cast yourself upon Him for the day which follows. Familiarize yourself so consistently to giving God the first part of your day that your conscience may remind you when other thoughts overtake your life. Let me give you the blessings that will be more evident as a result:

We can more easily find out what God wants for our lives.

This time alone with God will line up your mind, will, and emotions to Him. This alignment will help you to avoid the wrong voices throughout the day and yield or take repeated steps under the Holy Spirit’s control in you.

We can refocus and get our mind off the world and worries around us.

The Bible admonishes us to take our burdens to the Lord and leave them there. He is better than any depressant you can take. He is better than any escape plan you may have. Trust Him today.

We find it easier to worship Him.

Worship is not something we only do in public. In fact, if we are not worshipping Him in private, it is doubtful that we will ever worship Him publically.

We naturally become more like Him.

When you are intimate with someone else, you trust them enough to share your secrets. As God, Jesus already knows everything about you anyway, but when you choose to tell Him what’s hidden deep within you, it proves you trust Him.

We learn how much the more He loves us, helping us to love Him more!

COMPLETE, FULLY EQUIPPED AND READY TO GO! PART II

by: Rev. Leon Aguilera

In the first part on this subject I discussed that we are sufficient for the journey because in Christ we are complete. The first point was:

I. Complete Love and the Assurance it Provides

We continue:

II. Complete Dedication and the Stability it Establishes

                (Colossians 2:4-7) In Colossians 2:4, Paul warns, “...lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.” Lightfoot comments on what Paul is thinking here: “I wish to warn you against anyone who would lead you astray by specious argument and persuasive rhetoric.”

                Paul is in prison; that why he says, “...though I be absent...” (Colossians 2:5a). Although he is not present he is rejoicing that they are in “order” (“taxis”, Greek). “Taxis” refers to a line of soldiers drawn up for battle. The apostle is also rejoicing in their “stedfastness” (“stereoma” in Greek). “Stereoma” refers to the solidity of a formation of soldiers. As I see this parallel I think back to seeing the young men at West Point marching shoulder to shoulder in perfect precision. Colossians 2:6 tells us, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Colossians 2:6). This means we shall “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us” (Ephesians 5:2). It means we shall “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). We shall “walk worthy” (Ephesians 4:1). We shall “walk in truth,” (III John, verse 4). We shall “walk in wisdom toward those that are without” (Colossians 4:5). We shall “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16,25). When we are turning away from beguiling and enticing words and when we march in cadence to our heavenly calling in Christ we become “rooted and built up and established in the faith...” (Colossians 2:7a). The phrase “built up” is “epoikodomoumenoi” which is a present-tense participle indicating continuous action. As we grow in grace, God establishes the believer continuously through His word.

III. Complete Union and the Confidence it Secures

                (Colossians 2:8-10) The word “philosophy” comes to us from two Greek words: “phileo” (to love) and “sophia” (wisdom). Philosophy is the love and pursuit of wisdom. Man from time immemorial has been asking, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” and “Where am I going?” Philosophy pathetically attempts to answer these questions. Without God the mere musings of the miniscule mind of man is vain, empty pursuit. His beginning point is his own egotistical, narcissistic self and will therefore never arrive at ultimate reality. Friedrick Nietzsche declared God was dead, yet he could not live within the perimeters of his own reasonings. He spent the last eleven years of his life insane.

                Colossians 2:8 says, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit...” “Spoil you” is from the compound Greek word “sulagogeo” made up of “sule” (booty) and “ago” (carry off). It literally means to carry off as a spoil or booty of war. In other words, it means to kidnap. “Vain deceit” is empty deception. The “tradition” would not be the good traditions of Bible teaching or moral culture; it is referring to the lies that have been handed down from one person to another. Don’t allow yourself to be kidnapped by any kind of heresy. “Rudiments” is the Greek word “stoicheia” referring to primary letters of the alphabet. Paul is saying you have advanced in Christ; don’t go back to your A9BCs. It is like a graduate student going back to kindergarten. Let us follow the admonition of Hebrews 11:6, “...let us go on unto perfection....” “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). The word “dwelleth” is synonymous with “home address.” In Christ all the fullness (pleroma) of the Godhead dwells in bodily form.

In closing today’s study, we see “...ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:10). You are fully rigged, equipped and ready for launching into the deep. Through Christ, you are ready for anything and everything life’s voyages have to offer you.

COMPLETE, FULLY EQUIPPED AND READY TO GO!

by: Rev. Leon Aguilera

Today we shall discuss Colossians 2:1-10. The key verse for our study today, Colossians 2:10: “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Guy King says that the word “complete” is a word picture in Greek. He wrote, “They tell me that it holds the idea of a ship fully rigged, and equipped, for the voyage.” Paul tells us, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God” (II Corinthians 3:5). In this verse "sufficiency" is from the Greek term "hikanotes," meaning "ability or competency to do a thing" (Thayer). Later, Paul told the saints in Corinth, “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (II Corinthians 9:8). Here "sufficiency" is translated from the Greek word "autarkeia," meaning, "a perfect condition of life, in which no aid or support is needed" (Thayer).

            Returning to the thought that in Christ we are like a ship fully rigged and equipped for the voyage of life, let us set sail! Psalm 107 comes to mind when God makes the analogy of our life like a ship at sea. The promise is “...He bringeth them unto their desired haven” (Psalm 107: 30b). We have nothing to worry about. We are sufficient for the journey because in Christ we are complete. Please notice:

I. Complete Love and the Assurance it Provides

            (Colossians 2:1-3) You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. Paul said, in Colossians 2:1a, “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you....” The word “conflict” is translated from the Greek word, “agon.” This is where we get our English word “agony.” I recall years ago hearing the phrase, “agonize in prayer.” Rarely do I hear this phrase anymore. If we are going love like Paul, there will be agony in prayer and often in our service. Colossians 2:2a says, “That their hearts might be comforted....” The word “comforted” is “parakaleo” in Greek, meaning “encouraged” or “to call alongside of.” William Barclay commented on this verse with a classical Greek parallel. He wrote: “There was a Greek regiment which had lost heart and was utterly dejected. The general sent a leader to talk to it to such purpose that courage was reborn and a body of dispirited men became fit again for heroic action.” The heart is the center of our thinking faculty as exemplified in Matthew 24:48: “But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming.” This is why Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” We are emotional beings, but we are not to allow our emotions to pull us away from a close walk with God that yields forth fruit of righteousness. “Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way” (Proverbs 23:19). This verse is saying that we are to see that we guide our heart, not let our heart guide us.

            It is hard not to think of love when we use the word “heart.” So also Paul said in Colossians 2:2b, “...being knit together in love....” Francis Schaeffer called the unity of the Church, “the final apologetic to the watching world.” Jesus prayed, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21). Our apparent love to one another convinces the world that the faith we have is real and our love actually becomes a great incentive for a lost world to believe!

            The latter part of Colossians 2:2 tells us that the more we know of Christ and His Deity, the greater our assurance. The truth is hidden with Christ; the key therefore is knowing Him. Colossians 2:3 points out the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are “hid” (from the Greek word, “apokruphos”) in Christ.

            What a great loving savior, what great assurances he provides!

Restoring Broken Trust (cont.)

by: Rev. Leon Aguilera

Last week we looked at the John Mark and how he had broken the trust of Paul.  Now how did John Mark regain the trust and confidence of the apostle Paul?

You can imagine the insult and the hurt of John Mark from all this. He could have walked away and quit because Paul thought lowly of him. But instead he attached himself to a man that was an encourager. He went off to Cyprus with Barnabas. Guys like Barnabas can help you when you are trying to regain trust in your life. If Job had a Barnabas, his would have been a different story. When you are down, you need a godly mentor that will love you, support you, and tell you the truth. They won’t just shove you to the side, but they will encourage you to continue to serve the Lord in the capacity that is available to you. Sure, you may not be able to travel with Paul and be in the limelight, but there is something for the Lord you can do, and so get busy doing it!! People will still remember your failures, and you may carry that reputation with you, but determine to accompany an encourager.

I used to think that Christian leaders lived in an unattainable plain no one else could live up to. John Mark didn’t allow this disillusionment to detour him from following after God’s calling on his life. People watch the failures of others in leadership and use it as an excuse for not doing the right thing. No matter who the leader is, no matter the abilities, every leader puts his pants on the same way you do. Don’t be blown away by the humanities, frailties, and weaknesses of those in leadership. When you get right with God, people may not accept you back into ministry, and they are not always setting the best example. It is vital to remember that the ministry is not about how other people behave; it is about you and God and your relationship with Him. You can only trust God; you cannot trust yourself; you cannot trust others. John Mark had this same conviction. Later in Galatians 2, Peter went off into doctrinal error, and Barnabas was also carried away with it. Often this leads to discouragement and derailment from the work of God. It is imperative that we keep our focus on God.

He realized that his testimony needed to be rebuilt. He couldn’t write this for himself nor recommend himself, but Paul said, “I’m going to help you out. I’m going to write a letter for you and recommend you back into fellowship and service.” Colossians 4:10-11, “Aristarchus my fellow prisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye receive commandments: if he come unto you receive him.” Why did Paul say that? Colossae was about 10 miles away from where John Mark had said, “I’m quitting!” Paul is sending John Mark back to the church. In essence he said, “John Mark is the real deal, and you can receive him.” People tend to remember our mistakes a lot more than they remember our successes. John Mark accepted that. An arrogant man wouldn’t accept that and would refuse to reconcile or accept a letter from the apostle Paul. Many people who break trust never rebuild it again, because they never accept the fact that they need to rebuild it. Building anything takes time and patience, especially when it is your trust and testimony. But, oh, how worth the effort it is!!

God did something with John Mark that he has only done with 38 or 39 people in world history. God said to him, “I have an assignment for you; I want you to write a Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, along with Matthew the Tax Collector, Luke the Doctor, and John the Beloved.” Sixteen inspired chapters God gave to John Mark, a fellow that blew his testimony but regained trust. God let him write part of the Bible. In Colossians 4:11, Paul referred to him as “…these only are my fellow workers unto the kingdom of God, which are a comfort unto me.” John Mark became a fellow-worker, servant, and a comfort to the very man that had rejected him. That’s God’s grace, and that’s how you regain trust and confidence.

So never let the devil whisper in your ear and tell you that there is no way to regain trust. He is the father of lies! It may not happen right away, or the next day or month, or even sometime very soon. But it can happen!

If you aren’t doing something trustworthy, then you are wasting your time. It is vitally important that you learn to be trustworthy. No one should wonder where you are, or if you are going to show up. The work of your ministry, the work of your home, the work of your business – it all depends on trustworthiness. And when we are not trustworthy, we cannot expect honest, hardworking, trustworthy people to sit by and accept us or trust us. Be trustworthy, and be encouraged that if you have lost confidence or trust, it can be regained by following the example of John Mark.

Restoring Broken Trust

by: Rev. Leon Aguilera

RESTORING AND REBUILDING CONFIDENCE AFTER IT HAS BEEN FORFEITED IS ONE OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES IN LIFE. Trust is a sacred and securing attribute that every one of us ought to covet, and we ought to work diligently to build and maintain it. Often we forfeit confidence by bad choices we make. Even the business world realizes the value of trust, and when that is broken businesses are hindered. Jim Burke, former CEO of Johnson & Johnson said, “You cannot have success without trust. The very word trust embodies everything you could strive for that will help you to succeed. Tell me any relationship that works without trust. A marriage? A friendship? A social interaction? In the long run the same thing is true about business. They can only succeed when there is trust.” Acts chapter 12 introduces us to a man whose life has become a story of hope and encouragement for everyone who has gained and then lost the trust or confidence of someone. Unfortunately, this is something that happens often through bad behavior or foolish decisions. This is the first time we are introduced to John Mark, who lived in the city of Jerusalem, but was a native of Cyprus. This young lad had the opportunity to be part of the miracle of seeing Peter released from prison. Earlier, Peter had led John Mark to Christ; and in verse 25 of Acts 12, we see him again. John Mark had been given great responsibility as a ministry assistant to Paul and Barnabas, and he was greatly used of the Lord. Out of the thousands of young men, John Mark was chosen to serve the Lord alongside these great and renowned men of God. But, in spite of his unique opportunities and usefulness, he blew it. He decides to quit and go home and walks away from the work. John Mark in essence said, “I’m going home,” and he forfeited the confidence and trust of Paul. Acts 13:13, “Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.” He wasn’t the first person who has walked out on God, or on the preacher, or on the will of God. Many faithful Christian servants, employees, parents, and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ have lost trust because of a similar departure from their Lord, their church, or their family. That trust is in need of restoration, but it seems so difficult to repair. In Acts chapter 15, we see John Mark four years after this event as Barnabas and Paul are preparing for their second missionary journey.  Acts 15:36-37, “And some days after, Paul said Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city, and see how they do.  And Barnabas was determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.” Barnabas invited his nephew John Mark to go along; however, Paul did not think this was a good idea.  Unfair?  Maybe a little bit, but John Mark had broken the trust and confidence they had in him. When you break the trust and confidence someone has in you, you cannot expect it to return instantaneously. Paul was not some carnal man that held a grudge for no reason; he was a man of God. Barnabas had taken in Paul when the church didn’t want to accept him, and now Paul was rejecting John Mark. This must have been hard for Barnabas to accept. Verse 39 says, “… the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed one from the other.” You can imagine the pressure of Barnabas; Mark was only 3 years old in the Lord when he quit, and so Barnabas refused to go with Paul as a result. Verse 40 says, “Paul chose Silas, and departed.” Let’s look at a later event in AD 66-67.  Fifteen years have passed, and Paul is in prison, ready to lose his head as a martyr for the cause of Christ. John Mark is now serving the Lord at Ephesus with Timothy. Timothy receives this request in the form of Paul’s last written letter: “Take Mark, and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for the ministry.”  (II Timothy 4:11) John Mark is regaining lost trust. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. And let me say to you that it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen for you, too! 

Next week, we will discuss how John Mark regained the trust and confidence of the apostle Paul.