Christian Heritage Assembly of God

Don’t Be Deceived
The disciples asked Him, when will these things be? And the first thing He said was:
Take heed that no one deceives you. We COULD be deceived.

The cares of this world
Our families/responsibilities
All these things, hobbies and activities, “cares”, could distract us from the kingdom.
Don’t let these things detour and distract you from following Christ with your whole heart.

Material Things
Material things could become our IDOL.

What is going to keep us from being deceived?
The WORD of God. Daily getting it down in our spirit; And not just reading, OBEYING.
A UNION with Christ in prayer. The Spirit of truth built on the foundation of the Word of God will keep us from being deceived.

Wars and commotions
Vs 9 When you hear of these things don’t be terrified, for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.

Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem which happened in 70AD.
He also prophesied concerning all the wars that have happened since, but He said the end WILL NOT come immediately.

The Coming of the Son
All those things, great deception, wars, and rumors of wars, great destruction; that wasn’t the end.

Signs of the Times
Signs in the sun, moon, and stars and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea, and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for FEAR and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Rapture
After these things, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Look Up
Vs 28 Look up and lift your heads, because your redemption draws near!
“Look up” anakupto: means to unbend or rise.
“Lift” epairo: means to raise up your head.

This is a picture of humanity, beat down, cowering in fear.

But Jesus says, when you see all these things, you don’t have to fear anymore…
Get up! Lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near!

When the world sees these things, they are overwhelmed and afraid, perplexed and filled with anxiety. But when you see these things, you know! The Lord is coming back!

Consider the trees
Vs 29 Look at the fig tree, Look at all the trees!

God is not just interested in the BOTTOM line.
Our Father is interested in experiencing life WITH you. Life more abundantly.

During this time of lockdown, don’t let your mind and senses be on lockdown.
Parents now is the time to involve your children in the process of family chores. Let them help with dishes, laundry, food prep, and cooking. Take your children outside and experience life.
Shut off the TV and devices and “Look at the trees!”

Vs 29 Look at the fig tree, Look at all the trees!
When these trees are budding you know what’s next. Summer!

Heaven and Earth will pass away
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words, the things I tell you, will never pass away!
You can trust my words. You can count on my words.

Take Heed
Listen up! Pay attention lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, the cares of this life, that the Day comes on you unexpectedly.

Vs 35 it will come like a snare, a TRAP on all those who dwell on the earth.

Watch
Watch means to be VIGILANT. It means to be aware, on High alert.
Remember when Jesus told Peter, Watch and pray that you don’t give in to temptation. The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Being aware of how the enemy may lure you into temptation.

Pray Always
Vs 36 Pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape these things.
It’s speaking of true HUMILITY. Help me Lord REMAIN true to you.

Stand Before the Son of Man
Vs 36 Pray that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.
One day all of us will stand before Jesus in the JUDGEMENT. And only those who have repented of their sin and have asked Christ to come into their hearts will stand before Him.

Jesus is Coming! Don’t fear, Look Up, Lift up Your head your redemption draws near!