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Delighting in the Truth: The Last Things, by Pastor Charlie Handren

By Anonymous
     From January to March, we are offering a series of devotionals on our Membership Affirmation of Faith. Our aim in this series is to help Glory of Christ grow in our understanding of truth, our love of the God of truth, our love of one another, and our love of unbelievers. The Affirmation is made up of eight articles of faith, the eighth of which is entitled “The Last Things” and reads as follows:
We believe in the personal and visible return of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth and the establishment of His kingdom. We believe in the resurrection of the body and the final judgment of all people, leading to the eternal happiness of the righteous in the Lord’s presence, and the eternal separation of the wicked from the presence of the Lord. (Matthew 16:27; Mark 14:62; John 14:3; Acts 1:11; Phil. 3:20; I Thessalonians 4:15-8; II Timothy 4:1; Titus 2:13; I Corinthians 4:5; I Corinthians 15; II Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 20:11-15)
     The topic of “the last things” is simultaneously popular and controversial among Christians worldwide. It’s popular because it’s important for us to have some understanding of what the Lord has said about it, and because it can be entertaining. Indeed, some Christians have built large ministries, made names for themselves, and turned a massive profit by teaching about the last things. This topic is also controversial because the Bible is difficult to understand at points and it’s either unclear or silent at other points. Most of the differences of interpretation come from these very points, and these differences have sadly led to a variety of divisions within the body of Christ.
     Despite this reality, the last things are important for one reason: the Lord has spoken about them and his children would be wise to listen to what he has said. And as we do, we should first focus on the things that are clear and build unity with other believers on the basis of these things.
     The statement above captures the most essential elements of the last things, so as you reflect on them, take some time to ponder the following questions, preferably along with other believers: (1) How can a better understanding of the last things help us to worship God? (2) How can a better understanding of the last things help us to love other believers? (3) How can a better understanding of the last things help us to gain a greater passion to share the gospel with unbelievers near and far?



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