Welcome to Episode #169 of the Way of the Bible podcast. This is the first of eight episodes in our Twenty-Second mini-series entitled The Return of Jesus Christ. On today’s episode, we’re going to pause our overview of the Sermon on the Mount with the completion of Matthew Chapter 6. The reason for this departure is multi-faceted.
Over the past nine months, I have been enmeshed in the affairs of the world after becoming the President of a company whose leadership team I was coaching. In order to take what I knew to be a temporary position, I put my coaching practice on hold, and the recording of podcast episodes and my spiritual journey on severe time rations. For the next nine months I I successfully navigated and completed the purpose for which I was hired. About a month ago, I stepped back into my coaching practice and other pursuits including this podcast and my spiritual journey.
While I was able to piecemeal together several episodes of this podcast, during my time away, the world changed. Now that I’m back and ready to begin regular episode releases I sense a conviction to address an important topic for our times as they are now.
I’m a student of the word of God, a lifelong learner, and I pay attention to the signs of the times. And I’m sufficiently convinced that the world as we know it is about to enter into the times that the bible talks about more than any other. The judgment of the world, final testing and redemption of Israel, and the initiation of the millennial kingdom.
What! I’m not ready for that. Not a problem, nor is anyone else. Or should I rather say, most others as well are as equally ill prepared for what could be coming on the near-term horizon. I think sooner than later and certainly in my lifetime, even at 67, Lord willing. This of course was the apostle Paul’s perspective, so I guess I’m in good company.
Titus 2:11-15 – For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
I hope you heard Paul saying he was waiting for Jesus to return. That hope was, is, and should always be at the forefront of the mind of all believers as Jesus may return at any moment. But it’s been 2000 years now, come on DrZ..!
The Holy Spirit anticipated that comment and had Peter address it in 2 Peter 3:8-11 – But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
Jesus is coming back to judge the world. Of that, the bible leaves no doubt.
With that brief introduction, let’s get started. A little background to catch us up and then jog and sprint to the fin
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