Good morning:
Now that Thanksgiving is over, what’s next? Are you one of those people who lives for “the next big thing”? As soon as the Thanksgiving dishes are washed and put away, do you go into Christmas mode and map out detailed plans in preparation for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, mailing cards, and baking treats? Did you start anticipating next summer’s vacation before you were home from this summer’s trip?
Looking ahead to the next big thing can give purpose to the present. And there are so many things to look forward to: birthdays and graduations, careers and retirements, crowds and quiet time. But let’s not let these earthly things distract us from the next really BIG thing—the end of this present world. “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (1 Peter 4:7).
All the earthly milestones which seem so important at the moment are trivial when compared to the Lord’s return on the st day. Vacations, personal accomplishments, and possessions won’t mean a thing when we stand before the Judge.
On that day only one thing will matter—faith in Jesus as the Savior from sin and death. The Lord couldn’t be more clear about what’s at stake. “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mk. 16:16).
The next big thing is on the way. May we make the most of the present to prepare for our eternal future. “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).
Tomorrow’s sermon text (Dan. 12:1-3) is a preview of what we will see and experience on the last day and into eternity.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor
Services will be at the usual times: 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday school: 9:30 a.m. Bible class: 9:45 a.m.
The public school confirmation class will meet at 12:15 p.m.
Bible class thought starter: Can the uncertainty, violence, and chaos in the world be good for the Church?
