Rev. Kenneth Fellenbaum

My photo
Milford, Connecticut, United States

Bible Verse of the Day

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Why Christ Came

At the Advent season, it is important that we rehearse why Christ came. Christmas has become such a secular and commercial event that we need to be reminded of the spiritual reason God sent his Son. After his baptism by John and temptation from the devil, Jesus began his public ministry in Galilee. Luke describes Jesus' early ministry this way: it was in the power of the Holy Spirit, news of his miracles was rapidly spreading and he was teaching in the synagogues (Luke 4:14-15).

Early in Jesus' ministry, he returned to his hometown of Nazareth. On the Sabbath day, he went into the synagogue, "As was his custom." Notice that it was the Lord's habit to attend public worship on the Sabbath. He was given the opportunity to read from the Scriptures. The passage from the Prophets to be read was Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

Then Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. To us this may indicate that he was finished, but in that day the teachers sat while they taught. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him and he said to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:20-21).

It is more than a coincidence that Jesus read these words of prophecy. The term "anointed one" is definitely Messianic and the description of Messiah's reason for coming clear. The first thing mentioned is the preaching of the Gospel or "good news" to the poor. While God cares about those living in poverty, here the term refers to spiritual poverty (see Matthew 5:3 and Luke 18:9-14). Secondly, Christ came to proclaim freedom for the prisoners--to emancipate those held in bondage (by whatever). Thirdly, Jesus restored sight to the blind (five different cases are recorded in the New Testament). Fourthly, he released the oppressed. Observe the physical and spiritual nature of the Lord's work mentioned in these phrases.

Jesus abruptly stopped in the middle of a verse: "To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." The sentence concludes with these words, "and the day of the vengeance of our God." Today is a time of grace and opportunity but a time for judgment will come. “Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let every heart prepare him room!”

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

One Body, Many Members, Different Gifts

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome and Corinth and instructed them on the important matter of spiritual gifts (see Romans 12:4-8; First Corinthians 12). In these passages, Paul made several very important points. First of all, the Church, like our physical bodies, is one body with many members (Rom. 12:4; 1 Cor. 12:12, 14 & 20). The many different parts or members do not exist independently but are part of a larger body. Secondly, in Christ, each member of his body belongs to all the other members or parts (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:25-26). Christians not only belong to Christ but they are also connected to all other believers. Thirdly, Christians have been gifted by Christ "according to the grace given us" and "just as he has determined" (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:11). Believers do not decide what gift or set of gifts they would desire. The Lord has decided this and it is our responsibility to discover what gifts we have and then develop and use them for the good of the body.

There are three passages where the various spiritual gifts are listed. Look these lists over and attempt to understand which gift or gifts you have been given.

Romans 12:7-8
prophesying - speaking forth a message from God
serving - helping others
teaching - imparting spiritual truth
encouraging - helping others with uplifting comments
giving - contributing to the needs of others
leadership - assuming responsibility to lead
mercy - offering a shoulder for others

First Corinthians 12:8-10
wisdom - knowing what to do
knowledge - essential information
faith - strong belief
gift of healing - aiding the sick & afflicted
miraculous powers - miracle workers
prophecy - (see prophesying)
distinguishing between spirits - discernment
speaking in tongues - languages
interpretation - helping others understand

First Corinthians 12:27-30
apostles - ones sent to represent
prophets - (see prophesying)
teachers - (see teaching)
workers of miracles - (we could use a few!)
gift of healing - (see above)
helps - (see serving)
administration - (see leadership)
different tongues & interpretation (see above)

Do you know which spiritual gift or gifts you possess? If not please speak to a pastor, elder or the deacons. Everyone is needed in ministry! You would get a blessing out of serving as well as in being ministered to.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

A Complete Communication

Matthew records and comments upon Jesus' early ministry in this way. "Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him" (Matthew 4:23-25).

The disciple John uses the term "logos" which means "the word" or "revelation." Jesus Christ was "the Word" -- God's revelation to mankind. Matthew's description of Jesus' ministry reveals the complete communication that Jesus' ministry was. It consisted of teaching the Scriptures, preaching the Gospel, and the healing of diseases. Luke in his introduction writes about "all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to Heaven" (Acts 1:1-2) Let us consider the various aspects of Jesus' ministry to see what he did and how he wants to use us, his Church and body, in the world today.

First of all, Jesus was known as a teacher. Even other world religions who do not accept him as the divine Son of God who came back to life recognize him as one of the great religious teachers of all time. Jesus taught and expounded upon the Word of God. What he taught about the Scriptures often stood in variance to what other rabbis had said. Jesus gave the original and correct interpretation and often had to contradict popular thought. An example of this would be Jesus' teaching on the Sabbath. As a Jew, Jesus went to synagogues which were places where people in a given locality gathered for prayer, worship, instruction and fellowship. The synagogue was and is to Jews what church services are to Christians. Bible study and teaching must be a cornerstone of the Church today.

Secondly, Jesus was a preacher of the Good News or Gospel of the Kingdom. Repentance of sin and faith in Christ are the ways that people enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus told people how they could become part of God's rule or reign. An analysis of Jesus' sermons reveals that he was principally a preacher of the way to know God and live under his authority. The idea of God's Kingdom was central to Jesus' teaching and is mentioned 50 times in the gospel of Matthew alone. People today need to hear how they can become part of the spiritual kingdom that Christ rules and reigns over which is the Church.

The third aspect of Jesus' ministry involved healing that included "every disease and sickness among the people." Jesus' success as a healer caused many people to be brought to him who were suffering from various illnesses. Matthew itemizes these things: a) people "suffering from severe pain." In other words not just a mere headache but a debilitating condition; b) the demon possessed. A cursory reading of the Gospels shows numerous individuals who were under demonic influence. One of the ways that people open themselves up to this today is through the use of drugs; c) people having seizures. A medical diagnosis today indicates that a cause is often epilepsy or tumors. d) the paralyzed. Some were in this condition due to birth and others due to accidents. It is important to note that Jesus had the power to heal all of these conditions. While these matters may be beyond our ability to help or even that of the medical community, we can still do what people did then and that is to bring these individuals to Christ through prayer. Jesus continues to heal and help those in need.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Then and Now

The recent hurricane Isaac and last year’s Irene caused me to remember the first such storm that I experienced. It was hurricane Hazel and it came through where I grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1955 and brought a lot of damage. The heavy rain and high winds caused the loss of a barn on our farm and the experience was quite frightful.

Recalling that storm and the era of my childhood, I could not help but contrast the time then with how things are now. Back in the mid 20th Century, life was quite different to say the least! I do not recollect hearing much expectation on the part of my elders about the role of government in the wake of the storm.

What I do remember is this – individually assumed responsibility for themselves and their families. We took precautions before the storm arrived and we cleaned up afterwards (which included tearing down that damaged barn). Neighbors pitched in to help other neighbors who had suffered more destruction.

Our Church, and the other churches in the area, responded to meet the needs of the members. The community and Township government immediately went to work to restore school buildings, roads and bridges. In time, the State Government repaired the things that were their responsibility. I do not recall President Eisenhower, who had a farm and home in nearby Gettysburg, PA, dropping in to check on us nor anyone else from the Federal Government.

What a difference fifty years makes! Today when any natural disaster occurs it seems that the FIRST thing that people expect is for the Federal Government to show up with help including funding.

It seems to me that this is one of our problems today. People need to first of all assume personal responsibility for their own lives (Matthew 7:5). Next of course is families, nuclear and extended (1 Timothy 5:4), then churches and worship centers lending aide and assistance (Acts 2:45).

Here is what is needed: families helping families, neighbors assisting neighbors, faith communities putting deeds to their beliefs because “faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). The Scriptures are replete with exhortations and examples of this (see the parable of the Good Samaritan Luke 10:30-37). We need a renewal of these practices and values in our country.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Go for the Gold

In the Olympics, held every four years, there are only three medals awarded per event; bronze, silver and gold. The athlete dreams of winning the gold and mounting the center podium as their country’s national anthem is played. These incredible individuals train and practice for years in preparation for the competition. Their personal stories of sacrifice and commitment are truly inspiring to hear. They appropriately command the world’s attention and admiration.

The culmination of years of determined effort is often separated by a mere fraction of a second between the top performers. I always thought that the most disappointing finish was not to come in second but fourth place. Those finishing runner up to the winner at least receive the silver but you get no medal for fourth place. This is also true for all the others who finish below the top three positions.

What they do take away with them is the experience of representing their country and competing with the world’s best in the Olympics—an honor all by itself. No doubt they also derive satisfaction from the training, discipline and exercise in their sport.

Anyone can appreciate and realize the lessons from life that can be learned from these amazing individuals. You are not just a “winner” when you achieve the top spot on the platform—everyone who works hard and gives their best effort is truly a “winner.” Unlike the Olympics, life provides us with many opportunities to “grab the gold.” We would do well to emulate the dedication and hard work of the athletes and approach life with their level of seriousness and commitment.

In addition to the accolades and applause from family, friends and co-workers there is the simple satisfaction from knowing we have done well. If you fall down, get back up and keep going. No doubt the greatest reward will be hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21& 23).

This can be realized if we heed the exhortation of Apostle Paul. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).

Because he practiced what he preached, Paul could say near the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Parable of the Net

Jesus began the seventh and final parable in Matthew 13 by saying, "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" Matthew 13:47-50.

Jesus began by saying "Once again" because this was the sixth time he had said, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like." All the parables in Matthew's thirteenth chapter are about the Kingdom. This parable, the Parable of the Net, teaches the same general lesson as the Parable of the Weeds (see Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43). There will be a final separation of the righteous and the wicked. Both of the parables make this point very clear. In the Parable of the Net, Jesus compares the heralding of the Gospel to the casting of the net. The disciples and Jesus' listeners were familiar with using a net to catch fish. A net was used by one of two methods. Either it was cast from the shore (or by somebody standing in shallow water) or it was let down from a boat. In either case the net would be drawn ashore or into the boat. At that point, the fisherman would sort the fish. The ones that were the right size and variety would be kept and the small ones or otherwise undesirable fish would be thrown back. In the Parable of the Weeds the question to ponder is whether we are good seed or bad; wheat or weeds. This Parable causes us to consider whether we are "good" or "bad" fish. When the Gospel is preached, many people respond to the message. The Church is like a big net that is drawn ashore or into a boat that is filled with all kinds of fish. God, who is the Judge, will ultimately determine to which category we belong.

Jesus asked his disciples, "Have you understood all these things?" Matt 13:51. "Yes," the disciples replied. Jesus asked them this question because after the Parable of the Weeds, they had to come to him for an explanation. Apparently, they got the point of this illustration. Then Jesus told them,
“Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old" Matt 13:52. The reasons Jesus said this was that now his disciples had this new information to add along with what they had already learned and known about from the Word of God. Christians today teach from the Old Testament (the first 39 books of the Bible) as well as the New Testament (the last 27 books).

All of us start out as "bad" fish. The Bible states that we are all "sinners" (see Romans 3:10 & 23). We can be changed or saved through repenting of sin and by responding in faith to the Savior. What kind of "catch" are you?

Monday, June 4, 2012

"Parables of the Mustard Seed and of the Yeast"

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches." He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.” (Matthew 13:31-35).

Between the parable of the weeds and Jesus' explanation of that parable to his disciples, he told two other short parables. The first one was about the mustard seed and the second one involved yeast. Keep in mind that these parables are to teach us something about the kingdom of Heaven. The parable of the mustard seed was about a man planting the smallest seed in a field that grew to become the largest garden plant. The Gospel begins as a small seed that once it takes root and grows soon becomes the most important thing in our lives. This is also true in the world. Christianity began with a small group of disciples and quickly expanded so that by the end of the Fourth Century, a historian stated that the Mediterranean Sea had become a Christian lake. Today, Christianity is the world's largest religion numbering a billion followers.

In the parable of the yeast, the main character is a woman who is making bread in her kitchen. Starting with a little yeast, she mixes it into a large amount of flour. The yeast spreads through the whole batch of dough so it goes from a little to a lot. Usually in the Scripture, yeast symbolizes something bad or evil. We are all familiar with the pervasive influence of evil and can see numerous examples in the news of how it spreads. From the context of Jesus' parable, we understand Jesus' suggestion that the Gospel and Christians are supposed to influence their communities and the world for good. While we may be small in number, we can grow to have great influence as at the Gospel affects our lives and the hearts of others through life-changing faith. Christians are to be "salt and light" to their world.

This passage notes the fact that Jesus' teaching and parables was the fulfillment of a prophecy from Psalm 78:2 that indicated the Messiah would teach through the use of parables: "
I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old." Jesus was using parables to explain truth to his disciples while at the same time confirming to them that he was the Christ.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Parable of the Sower

Jesus went out of the house a sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”--Matthew 13:1-9.

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” --Matthew 13:18-23.

The thirteenth chapter of Matthew's Gospel contains seven parables of Jesus. They are about a sower, weeds, mustard seed and yeast, hidden treasure and the pearl, and the net. The phrase "the Kingdom of Heaven is like" introduces six of the parables. Studying this chapter and these seven parables will give us a better understanding about God's Kingdom.

The first parable which deals with a farmer who sowed his seed is the longest and is perhaps the most familiar. In this story Jesus was instructing his disciples by using an illustration from the agrarian society that they were part of. First of all, Jesus wanted his disciples to understand that like the farmer they ought to be out in the field, which is the "world," sowing the seed which is the "Gospel." Just as a farmer cannot produce seed or cause it to germinate, both he and a disciple can and should plant the seed. Christians should definitely be sowing more seed than most of us do. You could do this through a spoken witness, printed literature, etc. Secondly, Jesus described the four different soils on which the seed fell. Those soils actually represent various heart conditions of people who hear the Gospel. An analysis of these "soils" indicates that only one of the four is "good" soil. Therefore, the Lord's disciples should be realistic about the results and not be discouraged by rejection or a lack of response. Thirdly, just as all soils are not the same, neither are the results from the plants that produce a yield. While the outcome may be different -- 30, 60, or 100 times -- from what was sown, the point is that reproduction and multiplication should occur. Translation: All Christians may not be effective evangelists as Billy Graham but we should reproduce other believers.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Parable of the Weeds

Matthew 13:24-30: "Jesus told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.' The owner’s servants came to him and said, "Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?" ‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. The servants asked him, "Do you want us to go and pull them up?" ‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

Jesus then left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. “As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear" (Matthew 13:36-43).

The second parable in the thirteenth chapter of Matthew is about the wheat and the weeds. After Jesus told the story, he followed it by sharing two other short parables about the mustard seed and the yeast. He left the crowds and went into a house and his disciples asked him for an explanation about the parable of the weeds in the field. Apparently, individually and as a group, they did not "get it." Jesus explained the parable to them in a nutshell (see vv. 37-39).

This story about the Kingdom of Heaven has one main truth--that there are good seeds that germinate into wheat and bad seeds that become weeds. The sower of the good seed (the Gospel) is the Son of Man or Jesus Christ. The enemy who sows the seeds that become weeds is the devil. Both the wheat and the weeds are allowed to grow together until the separation which will occur at the harvest (the judgment). The destiny of the weeds is to be pulled up and burned in the fire whereas the "righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father."

There is a vast difference between heaven and hell (see Luke 16:19-31). What are you -- wheat or weeds? This is what will determine your eternity. As Jesus said, "He who has ears, let him hear." Respond in faith to the Gospel and become one of the righteous who are destined to experience the glories of heaven and eternal life.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Parable of the Hidden Treasure & the Pearl

Jesus said, "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it" (Matthew 13:44-46).

The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl are linked together as were the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast. These two short parables were told by Jesus to illustrate two different points about the Kingdom of Heaven. There are some similarities and differences in the two parables. In the parable of the hidden treasure, the scene described is a man laboring in a field, maybe plowing, when he discovered buried treasure. Perhaps when he first made contact with the chest or whatever the treasure was in, he thought he had hit a rock. Digging around it in order to remove the object he discovered to his amazement hidden treasure. How long it had been there and who buried it was not known. People often bury treasure in order to safeguard it from thieves or enemy soldiers. The treasure could have been there for many years and the owner long since deceased. Note: To this date people in the Middle East, and other places for that matter, still bury valuables in the ground. I had Palestinians tell me that during the Intifada they were living off "buried money." The man covered over the treasure and then in his excitement "sold all he had and bought the field." Once he was in ownership of the field, everything in it belonged to him.

The scene in the second parable involves a merchant who dealt in pearls. This man was not a "discounter" but rather traded in better merchandise. Instead of making a little profit on many sales, he was more interested in making a lot off a few transactions. Like Stanley Marcus of the Neiman Marcus Stores, this man was on a "quest for the best." Marcus actually authored a book by that title. One day the merchant found an outstanding pearl. It's large size and perfect shape was unlike anything he had ever seen. He too "sold everything to buy it."

Keep in mind that these parables were meant to teach us about the Kingdom of Heaven. The first parable describes those who discover the Kingdom quite by "accident." One day in a course of daily life, they happen upon the message of the Kingdom and in great joy realize that they have found something very valuable. These people do not get up that morning or begin that week looking for God and or spiritual things. But in his providence they found it and responded with excitement and joy. The second parable portrays individuals who are actively seeking God and looking for spiritual truth and fulfillment. When they encounter the Gospel of the Kingdom, because of their previous experiences, they see how unique and wonderful it is. They also in excitement and joy buy into it by making a total commitment. Saul of Tarsus is an example of someone who "happened" upon the Kingdom on his way to Damascus and the Ethiopian official who traveled to Jerusalem looking for God was searching for truth. As you read these parables ask yourself which one is more descriptive of you Did you find God after years of searching or just happen to discover salvation one day. If neither is the case, then perhaps this message will cause you to stop and think and then respond.

Monday, January 30, 2012

The Kingdom of God

As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, he was asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God would come (Luke 17:20). Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:20-21). The Pharisees like many people today, were most interested in the time that the kingdom of God would be realized. Jesus took the opportunity to teach a very important truth about the present reality of kingdom. By stating, "It is within you," Jesus was emphasizing the internal and spiritual nature of God's kingdom.

Turning to his disciples, Jesus said,
“The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left” (Luke 17:22-35 NIV).

There are many days, and especially as we approach the last days, that believers will "long to see" the return of Christ. However, Jesus cautioned against listening to the pronouncements of false teachers. When he does return, his appearance will be very visible. Jesus pointed out that life will be going on in a normal fashion (Luke 17:27). Most people are so engaged in their daily lives that they do not stop and think about ultimate reality of judgment and eternity. Before they know it, it will come upon them just as it has on others. When the Lord does appear, there will be no need to return to our homes for anything. The things that mean so much to us now will not be needed or matter then. Jesus repeated the paradox that those who attempt to hold on to life lose it while those who give up their lives in service to God and others preserve it. When Christ comes, there will be a separation of those who are ready and prepared and those who are not. Closeness and intimacy with people of faith will not be enough for those who are unprepared.

The disciples responded by asking, "Where Lord? He replied, "Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather" (verse 37). In other words, when conditions are met, Christ will return and believers will be gathered to meet him. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Are you ready?