United Church of God

Pastor's Corner - January 3rd, 2020

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Pastor's Corner - January 3rd, 2020

We're just three days into 2020 as of this evening.

As of this writing, significant tracts of Australia is on fire, and the killing of General Soleimani, widely believed to be the second most powerful man in Iran, threatens to destabilize the Middle East, leading to repercussions and potential reprisal attacks in the region and around the world. 

Quite a few folks have already taken to the internet and claimed that they're already over 2020, and want to get off. 

We live in difficult times - we live in a time when there are lots of challenges both abroad as well as here at home. In Matthew 24, Jesus Christ told His disciples that leading up to the time of the end, and the time of His return, there would be wars and rumors of wars. Nation would rise up against nation. There would be famine, pestilence and earthquakes in various places. 

These were to be the beginnings of sorrows.

Paul wrote to Timothy (2nd Timothy 3:3) that in the time of the end, perilous times would come. Men would be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying its power... 

These attitudes are prevalent, and have brought us to this point in history and society.

What does the rest of 2020 hold? It's hard to tell, but I venture a guess that it will be more of the same. 

One thing that is for sure - the importance of encouraging one another cannot be overstated. We are entering a time in history in which encouragement, and consolation - strengthening one another through our shared love of God, and helping one another along the road toward God's Kingdom.

How can you encourage one another? How can you help someone remain focused on the end goal and not the environment of society around us? How can you help your brethren who are struggling, and who are having difficulties getting through the week? 

As 2020 goes on - we need to look out for one another. Keeping our eyes open to help as needed, particularly as things get more and more difficult societally. This year could be one for the record books with regards to the challenges we face, it's certain shaping up that way just three days in. 

Be there for each other, and reach out as you have need. 

Despite their difficult, we live in incredible times!! We could very well witness the return of Jesus Christ in our lifetime. With that comes everything that goes along with it. Continue to pray 'Thy Kingdom Come', and continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Have a wonderful Sabbath!