Sunday Words of Encouragement March 1, 2020

Our Sunday School teacher continued his lesson series on “Why did God create man?”
He noted that salvation is not God's only plan for man. God created man for His own pleasure. God had planned for a different world when he created man.

Now we are living in the church age waiting for restoration. Satan failed in heaven but succeeded in capturing the dominion on Earth. Man remains in a transition period, directed to take the message of salvation to all the world. Our focus should be on our job of extending the message and learning to serve and obey God’s directions.

The Earth is to be cleansed of corruption. We can look forward to a new heaven and a new earth. “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” 2 Peter 3:16.

Luke 21:22-28 tells us that when the day of judgment comes, the heavenly bodies will be shaken. But we should rejoice as the day of redemption draws nigh. Redemption will mean restoring mankind's standing with God. Man is redeemed by Christ’s death on the cross, but we are not restored until His second return. In the future man “will reign on the earth”. Revelation 5:9-10.

Live this life in terms of eternity. We need to recognize that we are not humans waiting to become spiritual, but we are spiritual beings having a human experience. We are currently tenant farmers (Leviticus 25:23) but someday we will reign as God intended. Will we have the right attitude of humility and service and submission to God?

I searched for a while for a song I liked for today's message. I chose this one.

Verses for Today:
Luke 21:22-28 NIV
22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”