Newsletter 286 March 11, 2012 _________________________________________________________________________________
Mark 13:1-23 (King James Version)
1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!
This was not the temple of Solomon, which had already been destroyed and eventually replaced with a much inferior structure. Still, it was a building to be proud of, and the apostles were more than “impressed.” They saw a wonder of their day, a building that left them overwhelmed. Jesus’ reply to their comments, laid the foundation for his further comments on what to expect after these buildings would be destroyed, with not a trace of them remaining.
The “wailing wall” at which pious Jews gather to weep and pray are not a part of the temple. That wall of huge blocks of stone is actually a part of the retaining wall that supports an extension of the temple mount. There are two mosques built on the mount and I was told one on a lower level.
2 And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
THE MOUNT OF OLIVES
There is now a lookout point on the mountain overlooking the old city. I chose to ignore the man who wanted to take a picture of us mounted on the back of a camel but focused on the dome of the mosque on temple mount across the way. I have never seen parallel maps of this exact area of Jesus’ day and of today, but I would expect the temple to have been just to the right of the mosque in my photo. There is a large area empty there where we were not permitted to go. Where we were standing could well have been where Jesus wept for the city, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” In that wall that there still exists the blocked gate through which it is said that he will re-enter the city as he had done in the “triumphal entry” many years ago. A Islam cemetery presently also blocks that side of the walled city.
PEOPLE STILL ASK, “WHEN?”
4 Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
This is a very natural question, but it does not answer the really important fact that no matter when it is, many will not be prepared. The important question to ask, of ourselves, is if we are ready. He wants us to live in expectation of his arrival at any time. I have personally many times simply asked of myself, “Do I want to be at that place doing what is being done there when Jesus returns.” That simple question has kept me from going many questionable places, and doing many questionable things! I am a better person because of it.
FALSE PROPHETS ABOUND
5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:
6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
EVERY GENERATION HAS HAD ITS WARS AND CHAOS REIGNS
7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.
BELIEVERS WILL BE BETRAYED BY THOSE THEY TRUSTED
9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.
BUT THE GOSPEL WILL STILL BE SPREAD, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL LEAD US
10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.
12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:
15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house:
16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.
17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.
20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not:
For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
BUT ALL THESE THINGS HAVE ALREADY HAPPENED
Yes, but when you see it happening everywhere, and more severely, then draw close to him and his Word. The time is upon us. The Holy Spirit will help.
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012 MARCH
11th. Sunday – Leviticus 21, 22, Mark 15:25-47, Psalm 33:1-11
12th. Monday – Leviticus 23, 24, Mark 16, Psalm 33:12-22
13th. Tuesday - Leviticus 25, Luke 1:1-25, Proverbs 7:1-5
14th. Wednesday - Leviticus 26, 27, Luke 1:26-38, Psalm 34:1-7
15th. Thursday - Numbers 1, Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 34:8-14
16th. Friday – Numbers 2, 3, Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 34:15-22
17th. Saturday - Numbers 4, Luke 2:1-20, Proverbs 7:6-20
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Humor
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Amazing Faith The fill-in Sunday School teacher was new to the classroom and struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember it. Finally she went to the pastor's study and asked for help.
The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment. Finally he look serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently. Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock.
The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, Pastor," she said.
"It's really nothing," he answered. "The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling."
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