James 5:7-9: Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
John the Baptist was said to be sent forth to prepare the way for Jesus, but what exactly did he do? He preached the repentance of sins and baptized people for the remissions of their sins but not even John understood the manner in which Jesus would go about fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament.
As we begin the new church year, Pastor Grayl speaks about the meaning of Advent (preparing for the return of Christ) and how it can get crowded out in favor of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Luke 23:34: "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'" Even as the nails were being driven into his arms, Jesus forgave those who sought to kill him. Why are we then so slow to forgive?
People are always looking for answers to some deep questions about faith and the future and the end of the world. We look to the words of Jesus in Luke 21: "As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”
