“21:33 - More Sure than 2012”

Luke 21:25-36 Nov.29/09 1st in Advent  Play AUDIO (mp3)  Play VIDEO (wmv)

●    2012 TERROR: WERE THE MAYANS MISTAKEN?

    ○    ‘end of the world’ movie based on shaky research
    ○    causing anxiety for some who take it seriously
    ○    ‘find out the truth’ - in Jesus’ teaching (Jn 8:31f)

●    SIGNS THAT BRING APPREHENSION - OR ANTICIPATION

    ○    protection promised amidst persecution (12-19)
    ○    a) signs in sun, moon, stars
    ○    b) nations in anguish, perplexity, terrified, apprehensive (25f; Romans 8:31,35,37)
    ○    c) roaring / tossing of sea: tsunamis?
    ○    d) powers of the heavens shaken: atmospheric / demonic (Eph 2:2)
    ○    e) Son of Man coming in a cloud (27; Dan 7:13; Ac 1:11; Rev 1:7; 1Thess 4:16)
    ○    redemption - meant to be hopeful, encouraging (28; 1Thess 4:17f; Rom 5:2)

●    THE UNDERWRITER’S GUARANTEE: WORDS MORE REAL THAN THE WORLD

    ○    heaven and earth pass away, but ‘certainly not’ Jesus’ words (32f)
    ○    power of God’s words seen in creation; like rock-crumbling hammer (Jn 6:63; Gen 1; Jer 23:29)

●    PERSPECTIVE, PERCEPTIVE, PRAYERFUL

    ○    perspective: not weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, anxieties of life (34)
    ○    perceptive: constantly watching, vigilant, giving attention (36)
    ○    pray: for strength to escape, and to stand before Son of Man (36; 1Cor 3:12ff; Eph 3:20)

●    THE PRESIDENT’S UNEXPECTED VISIT

    ○    surprise midnight checks disclosed lax guards