2012 Calling. Are You Listening?

Tweet

It's the strangest thing. From what we have been hearing, many people are concerned about the end of the world happening on December 21, 2012. This is because a Stone Age civilization called the Mayans stopped their calendar on that date. The joke has been made that it's because they ran out of space on the rock (there's probably more truth in that statement than some are willing to admit). I just read an article that tells us that there is only one place in the world that will be safe. it's a village in France called Bugarach. It's because of some sort of magic mountain there (Now, that's supported with reason and science??) READ MORE HERE

Although I have no faith in the Mayan calendering system, nor the conclusions that some New Age practitioners have reached, let's say that they are right...for the sake of argument. Wouldn't you want to know? Interestingly enough, my daughter has been handing out cards to her friends inviting them to our newest sermon series

2012: The End of the World as We Know It

How would you guess they reacted? I would have thought they would say things like:

• That's not true, I believe that...
• That scares me
• Says who?

Or maybe even some that would have said:

• Really, i've been wondering about that.

But that's not the response she got from them. They acted like they didn't care. They used the invitations for fans; they commented on the artwork; or just dropped it on the floor.

Now, I know that there could be a host of reasons that they acted like that. But I think two are most obvious:

1. It is how our world thinks.

Here's the thinking process they went through: "It might be what you believe, but that doesn't work for me." This is how post-modernists think. It's all about what each person believes. There is no right or wrong OR truth or lies. There is only what each person believes. So, if I don't believe it, it's not true for me. Obviously, that kind of thinking only works so far (Like not believing the bridge ahead is out or that your eating too much cholesterol will cause heart problems). You see, our belief cannot determined by our thoughts or experience, but by the truth. Jesus shares that "you shall know the truth." He also said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." In order to know truth, we must listen to the only One who not only knows truth, but is truth itself.

2. They have heard it all before.

It seems that we hear more and more doomsday prophecies every year. There was such a frenzy over the supposed mathematical calculations of Harold Camping that people were willing to give away everything they owned. Then some went out and waited for the hour when the world-wide cataclysm was supposed to occur. That is why Jesus warned us that false messiahs would arise to lead us astray (Matthew 24:4-5, Matthew 24:23-26)

False prophets are dangerous not only for the obvious reason: they are lying. But, they are also dangerous because it causes people to begin to think that when they hear these things, it's never right. They become complacent (think of how you felt the last time they told us we were going to get a direct hit from a hurricane...for me is was met by a "yawn"). That's why Jesus told us not to listen to everyone.

Regardless of how you feel about the 21st of December, there are some principles we can take away from the current "prophecy" of doomsday.

Jesus never told us the day He would return (Matthew 24:36), but He did tell us to be ready. So we should first "be ready." You see, He might not wait until the 21st of December; He could return before you finish reading this sentence.

So, because we don't know His return we need to walk in a way that pleases the Lord. the Bible tells us:

Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk — not as unwise people but as wise — making the most of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15, 16 HCSB)


Remember, we need not fear the return of the Lord, we should look to Him coming for us as the "Blessed Hope." It is then that He will rule and reign. It is then that He will make all things right. It is then that there will be no more sickness, sorrow, or the crying that would result. He shall reign forever and ever.

Look up Christian, His return is close than ever before.

Pastor Trey Rhodes, Oceanside Church

www.MyOceansideChurch.com

Happenings at Oceanside Church

Sermon Series continues this week on Sunday Morning - 2012: the End of the World as We Know it. As people are thinking about the end of the world, ask them to be in church with you. Christians have the answers to the questions they are asking.

Adult Christmas party on Saturday night, December 8 at 7 p.m. Bring a gift that costs no more than $10. Be sure to bring a side dish to taste one another's best of the season. Meat and drinks are provided. Come and enjoy the Christmas season together.

Have you tried the New Giving Kiosk? It's at the entryway of the church. It's simple to use, and you never have to worry as to whether you have your checkbook or cash ever again. Accepts all debit and credit cards.

Christmas Offering Continues This Week. We want to give to international missions as well as local ministry. Please pray about giving this Christmas. Give throughout the month of December.

Posted with Blogsy