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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: End Times (02/27/14)
To the Very End of the Age
The statement of Jesus that closes Matthew’s gospel serves very well as a charter statement for the new emerging church just about to begin. Christians usually refer to this statement as the great commission, and from it emphasize Christ’s call to go into all the world and preach the gospel. But the complete statement is much more than that. It is a bold proclamation of Christ’s headship of the church and Lordship over all the earth, a defining statement of mission, and a comforting assurance that his presence will be with the believers for all time. Here is what he said.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:18-20 NIV)
This proclamation speaks to a new redemptive movement far surpassing in power, outreach, and time than any of the disciples could ever imagine. They would have expected to hear some of this. But the new elements Jesus introduced provides a vision well beyond the understanding of the eleven disciples.
There is new authority under which this charter will operate - an authority on earth. Jesus, recently crucified and risen again from the dead, is now given authority both in heaven and on earth. The apostle Paul relates this to Jesus’ death on the cross. He writes that Christ ‘having disarmed the powers and authorities, ... made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.’ (Col 2:15 NIV). Jesus now has all authority on earth.
There is new scope to the mission - go and make disciples of all nations. The disciples fully knew that salvation belonged to the Jews. Now the whole world is invited.
There is a new dimension to his presence – not only to the duration – always, but also to the depth - to the very end of the age.
The New Testament is consistent in referring to the end times as being terrible. (2Tim. 3:1 NIV). There are a good number of references to support this. Jesus talked about wars and rumours of wars, famines and earthquakes, persecution and death. He said, in the same passage, ‘Because of the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.’ (Matt 24:4-14 NIV). Paul describes a man of lawlessness and a time of rebellion (2 Thess. 2:1-4 NIV). John reports that when the souls in heaven enquired as to how long they had to wait for the end to come, they were told that it would be a little longer, as more people needed to die for Christ. (Rev 6:11 NIV).
The closing days of this earth will have a spiritual intensity about them, unlike anything we have so far seen, as the forces of evil conflict with the forces of righteousness for the souls of men. Satan knows that his days are short. We dare not underestimate the peril of these coming days.
This is why Jesus assures us that he will be with us every day of our lives and also especially in the darkest of days, at the end of the age. He wrote it into the charter.
Just as surely as Jesus has been given authority in heaven and on earth and we can walk in triumphant victory; just as surely as in that last day there will be gathered around the throne of God a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language’ (Rev 7:9 NIV); and just as surely as Jesus was with the early church and with all believers down through the ages, so Jesus promises that in the darkest days of all Christian history his presence will be with us.
To the very end of the age.



I welcome constructive red ink critiques
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This article has been read 321 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
03/07/14
Jesus' words are powerful and for our benefit in knowing what's to come, and how to prepare.

You've put together a fine piece describing such circumstances, and were certainly on topic.

Well done.

God bless~
Larry Whittington
03/09/14
A good Bible study that stands as an encouragement as well as a warning for all.

The chosen verses were well used as reference points.

This type of material may not be classified as a devotional but short articles of teaching and encouragement. These are needed sometimes before devotionals are effective.

Our lives need to be heading in the right direction, in order for God's promises to "kick in".
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/14/14
Congratulations on ranking 6th in your level. The highest rankings can be found on the message boards.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
03/14/14
I enjoyed this. It was well organized and gave me a sense that not only do you know your Bible well, but you have a sincere desire to help others understand before it's too late. The only red ink I might offer would be to include a touch of either your testimony or even examples of the direction today's world is heading. Although sad, unfortunately it is true that readers tend to skip over pieces with a lot of Scripture in them. You did a great job of writing on topic. You made me stop and think which is always a good thing. I look forward to reading more of your work.