Word of the Week - Be Encouraged

“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.  When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:27-28

Biblical Worldview Truth is Encouraging – In follow up to last week’s “Word of the Week” that outlined why it is most important as believers to stand firm in God’s Word during these challenging and sometimes confusing times we are experiencing.  God’s Word is a solid bedrock that we can stand upon because it does not change based on what is going on in the world around us, it is timeless truth that will always give us a true north so we can continue to navigate life even during the storms.  I was reminded last week by my Pastor Chris Hodges that the Good News is even better news during times like these when there is so much angst in our world as it relates to disease, political division, and social and racial unrest.  The bottom line is that as followers of Christ we are promised ultimate victory in Christ and thus we should not view things through the same lens as the rest of the world.  This does not mean that we should have a nonchalant attitude toward what is going on in our world, but we should have a good and healthy perspective based on the truth in God’s Word.  The following are three biblical truths that should encourage us as believers during these times and equip us to be lights of encouragement and hope to those around us who might not know or share this perspective.Here are 3 Biblical Truths that bring Encouragement: Heaven is Real, Earth is Temporary and as followers of Christ our ultimate destination is Heaven:  We tend to invest so much of our time and energy in things of this world that we often forget that we are Sojourners simply passing through this life for 80-90 years if we are fortunate.  This life as we know it is but a vapor in the context of eternity, and thus we should continue to step back and frame life from biblical perspective in the context of eternity.  This changes the way we see and experience life in a positive way.  It will impact how we feel, live and operate day to day and allow us to step into the abundant life of Christ vs. our tendency to be focused on how to manage through our next day, week and month navigating all the challenges and brokenness we face in life on this earth.  “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage one another with these words” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18  The Good News for believers is that what we are facing on earth during these days is as bad as it gets, because our destination is spending eternity in heaven with the Lord Jesus.  By the way, Heaven is not flying around on clouds playing a harp and singing hallelujah, it is truly paradise where there is no more pain and suffering.  God is literally preparing a house in heaven for all of those who call Him Lord and savior.  As a duck hunter, I am hoping there are lots of ducks in heaven and no daily bag limits😊.As believers we do not suffer the wrath of God:  During times of peril and strife it is easy for us to get anxious about the implications for us and our families, but we should not fear because God’s promise is that as His children in Christ we do not suffer His wrath.  “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 The wrath of God is reserved for those who have decided to go their own way and not receive the free gift of salvation offered through the Cross.  “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be know about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:18-20.  This is why we need to have a heart for the lost and continue to pray and pursue the lost so that all would come to know God through His son Jesus and experience salvation.Revival is coming:  Throughout history God moves most during times of trial, uncertainty and persecution.  Due to pain and brokenness, people tend to be more open to seeking God to find understanding, peace and security.  50 years ago there was a similar situation that we are facing today in our country.  The Vietnam war along with political, social and racial unrest during the mid to late 1960s created havoc in our nation.  During the spring of 1966 the cover of Time Magazine quoted “Is God Dead”, as our society had seemed to reach a low point based on what was transpiring. This wave of strife led to an amazing revival throughout America in the early 70’s, the Jesus Revolution.  Just a short 5 years later on June 21, 1971 the cover of Time Magazine quoted “Jesus Revolution” an awakening of faith in America.  This was an amazing time in our history where God moved and millions of people came to faith.  I can actually tie my journey of faith to my uncle Jimmy Lejeune who got radically saved during this period.  He and his family had a tremendous influence on my coming to faith.  In addition to revival, we saw enormous social change as Dr. Martin Luther King led our country through the equal rights movement in this same time period, which laid the foundation for much progress and healing in our country in regards to racial issues but there remains more work to accomplish.  So we should be encouraged as we anticipate how God will use the challenges we are facing to begin a spiritual revival in our country. “All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you”.  Psalm 22:27Remember, revival begins with us in our own personal walk with Christ.  We cannot give away what we do not possess.Pressing forward in faith,-Duane