Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010...Luke 21: 5-19

We had a lively discussion Wednesday evening which focused on the "end times" that the scripture alluded to.  We never really settled on whether Jesus was talking specifically about the last days or the time between His death and second coming, but we agreed that the message remains the same either way...WE ARE TO BE READY!  Jesus warns us about false teachings, about the persecution and rejection we will experience because of our faith in Him. 

We settled on the real message He has for us, as His followers, was found in verses 13 and 14..."This will give you an opportunity to testify.  So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict."  This is when "Joe Blow", the man on the street, challenged us to explain why we put our faith in the Bible and it's teaching, when there are so many versions, translations, and even differences within the same accounts in the Bible.  As different people attempted to point out the "evidence" as we see it in the Bible...historical fact, approval by theologians, etc...."Joe" was able to refute just about every argument.  It was when we directed our evidence as our faith in Jesus and our relationship with Him, that the relevance and trust in the Bible became something that Joe could not dispute.  Unless we read and search the scriptures in Christ, the truth, the love, and the promises in the Bible will not be found.

God gave us the Bible, so that our relationship with Him, through Christ, will be a source of strength and encouragement enabling us to testify to those who persecute us.  As we meet the "Joe Blows" of the world who ask us to explain why we believe, we need to pause, pray for Christ to give us the words and wisdom, and rejoice that we have been given the opportunity to testify to His love and grace which gives us, and all who come to believe, an eternal home with Him.