9. Jesus Spoke Often about Devastation Before His Second Coming
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“Then, he said to them, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven” (Matthew 21:10-11).
Jesus also mentioned war and many other catastrophes. In fact, the cataclysmic events during the second coming will rival the creation of the universe (Matthew 24:21).
Think about how the weapons of war have increased since’ Jesus’ time. In his day, soldiers fought with swords and spears and arrows. Today, the thermonuclear killing zone stretches all the way around the world.
10. Jesus Invites All
Jesus is no respecter of only certain persons. He invites people of all races, cultures, and creeds to open their lives and let Him come in.
“So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).
His last words before His ascension in Acts 1:8 compelled His disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations.
Perhaps you have seen the picture of Jesus standing before the door a house inviting those inside to open the door and let him come in! If you look carefully, you’ll see there’s no outside doorknob. He will not crash in. He only comes in when we open the door ourselves.
Jesus has much to say to us. It’s all right for us to shout something back to him! Why wait? Take a moment and get down on your knees and join the millions who one day will shout in unison, “Jesus Christ is Lord!”
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)
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Editor’s Note: Pastor Roger Barrier’s “Ask Roger” column regularly appears at Preach It, Teach It. Every week at Crosswalk, Dr. Barrier puts nearly 40 years of experience in the pastorate to work answering questions of doctrine or practice for laypeople or giving advice on church leadership issues. Email him your questions at roger@preachitteachit.org.
Dr. Roger Barrier retired as senior teaching pastor from Casas Church in Tucson, Arizona. In addition to being an author and sought-after conference speaker, Roger has mentored or taught thousands of pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders worldwide. Casas Church, where Roger served throughout his thirty-five-year career, is a megachurch known for a well-integrated, multi-generational ministry. The value of including new generations is deeply ingrained throughout Casas to help the church move strongly right through the twenty-first century and beyond. Dr. Barrier holds degrees from Baylor University, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Golden Gate Seminary in Greek, religion, theology, and pastoral care. His popular book, Listening to the Voice of God, published by Bethany House, is in its second printing and is available in Thai and Portuguese. His latest work is, Got Guts? Get Godly! Pray the Prayer God Guarantees to Answer, from Xulon Press. Roger can be found blogging at Preach It, Teach It, the pastoral teaching site founded with his wife, Dr. Julie Barrier.