Pastor Don is still on vacation and Elder Stave Vlasak is filling in with this weekend's message.

We seem to be hung up on being able to know when the Lord's return will be, like we might be able to get our spiritual life straight just before it happens.  Steve uses Luke 17 to discuss this issue, but first starts with defining two issues very much relative to the Lord's return, "What is Eternity?", and "What is the end of the world?".  After understanding that you should not focus on looking for the Lord's return but on being ready for it, he goes on to define what it takes to get to spend eternity with the Lord.  When the Lord returns in a flash are you going to be asking "What just happened?"
 

Message Outline -

Introduction:

What is eternity? . . .

Definition

1.     continuance without end

2.     infinite time; time without beginning or end  (I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, Rev.)

3.     a long period of time that seems endless an eternity of waiting

4.     the endless time after death (end of the world as we know it)

Example: 

Let’s add some scale to it . . .

a.      Pinhead vs. the diameter of the earth, or the depth of the universe

You find the word eternal 81 times, 66 of which are in the New Testament, 14 times which Jesus used the term.

End of the world . . .

Absolutes

1.     God made it, only God can destroy the world (not man kind)

2.     We all will experience the end of the world (mortal life)

a.      When you die it’s the end of the world for you

3.     We will all experience eternity

4.     Our time on earth determines how we spend eternity

a.      We can spend it in hell or with Christ by following Christ

·        Sunset vs. sunrise

Can we know when the end is near?

Let’s reference Luke 17:20-36

1.     Jesus provides three examples of the end of his return (the end of the world)

a.      Noah and the flood

b.     Lot and Sodom

c.     Be like lightning

·        Strobe light flashes as a simulation

• Two things just happened . . .

1.     Time has been split again for only the second time (PL & AL)

2.     Some people are trying to figure what just happened

How do you become one of the taken ones? . . .

a.      Follow Christ?

§        Mark 13:13 - All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

b.     By admitting you are a sinner

§        Rom 3:23 - for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

c.     Repent and ask to receive God’s grace

§        Luke 13 – “But unless you repent you too will be lost.”

§        the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.

d.     Determination, commitment, constant practicing

§        Patty’s application at Taylor

Conclusion . . .

§        Are you trying to figure it out?