“But in those days, following that distress, "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light.”
(Mark 13:24closeMark 13:24 The Coming of the Son of Man 24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, (ESV) closeMark 13:24closeMark 13:24 The Coming of the Son of Man 24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, (ESV) The Coming of the Son of Man 24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, (ESV) ; from the Gospel reading for 11.25.12)
“Peace Under Pressure”
Get To Know Your “Neighbor”
+ Describe a time when you felt frightened. What were the circumstances? __________
God’s Blueprint
+ 1 John 4:18close1 John 4:18 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. (ESV) close1 John 4:18close1 John 4:18 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. (ESV) 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. (ESV) tells us there is no fear in love & that perfect love drives our fear; this perfect love is found only in the Father, through His Son’s death and resurrection; this love comes to us by the work of the Holy Spirit who gives us faith.
Does knowing that your “bill” has been paid by Jesus, make you feel confident about facing God on judgment day? __________
+ Fear is a human emotion which comes upon even the most devout believer, David doubted that God would preserve him from King Saul (1 Samuel 27:1close1 Samuel 27:1 David Flees to the Philistines 27:1 Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” (ESV) close1 Samuel 27:1close1 Samuel 27:1 David Flees to the Philistines 27:1 Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” (ESV) David Flees to the Philistines 27:1 Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” (ESV) ). When we have fears, we must realize that they are a temptation from Satan, to worship a false god and not trust in the one, true living God. This is why Jesus says, that if we fear, we should fear God (Luke 12:5closeLuke 12:5 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! (ESV) closeLuke 12:5closeLuke 12:5 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! (ESV) 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! (ESV) ); in this way, we are still keeping God first in our life.
What sort of things have you seen cause fear in Christians? __________
God’s Best
+ In John 16:33closeJohn 16:33 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV) closeJohn 16:33closeJohn 16:33 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV) 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV) , Jesus tells us that we will face difficult times; but that we should “take heart for He has overcome the world.” Luther said re this verse that Jesus was making His victory, our victory; through the power of His Name. You are a Christ-ian. You have taken the name of Jesus, the Christ (Christ = Messiah). On Good Friday, Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” We have a Savior who is familiar with the difficulties of our life.
How does Jesus give you heart for today? ___________
God’s Baptized
+ John 16:11closeJohn 16:11 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (ESV) closeJohn 16:11closeJohn 16:11 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (ESV) 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. (ESV) tells us that Satan is condemned. He is done, he is toast. He can make things painful for you, but his days are numbered. As a believer, your vision can perceive the bigger picture; you can begin to glimpse the glory of Heaven. One day you will see Jesus face to face.
How does He give you strength for today? __________
Jim Buckman
