In view of the upcoming Feast of Trumpets our minds are undoubtedly focused on the return of Christ.
While teaching the disciples Christ instructed them in how to pray. After acknowledging and venerating the Father, the very next item was to pray for the Father’s Kingdom to come. We are to look for and anticipate the return of Christ and the establishment of God’s Kingdom as the ruling authority over the earth.
At a later time when Christ was again instructing the disciples, this time on the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple, He outlined what to expect before His second coming and the end of the age. In this regard, He inserted a parable in the middle of the flow of events. When you observe a fig tree putting forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Similarly, when the events He was describing become evident, know that His coming and the end of the age are near – at the doors (Matthew 24:32-35). Events Christ selected to be key markers are before our eyes. Not in complete fullness but enough to show the “sprouting of leaves”!
Pressure is mounting rapidly on world leaders in many unexpected ways presenting issues for which they simply have no answers. This in turn increases the need for solutions and creates a mentality that will accept a strong leader who promises solutions. Europe is under incredible pressure from the refugee crisis which is a huge burden and is perceived as a threat to national identity in several European countries. A growing backlash to preserve the European Union could accelerate calls for a more united Europe. And one can only guess at what is really going on behind closed doors in the Vatican. The Pope’s upcoming visit to the United Nations and his expected endorsement of a new U.N. document will bear close scrutiny. It has the feel of a new world order being hidden behind appealing rhetoric. Europe and the Pope are on the march – where will it all lead?
It is leading to the need for Christ to return and rescue man from the partnership of deception he has formed with the god of this world. It is a partnership of destruction, just as Satan intends it to be. We do not know the details of how world events will play out but God has given us His Spirit to be able to make clear discernment – as we are encouraged to do by the parable of the fig tree. As we observe this Feast of Trumpets we should be motivated to take to heart Christ’s words. “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:21-22).
Service Times for Trumpets
Eastern AM Service 10 am Origin – Ohio
Eastern PM Service 2 pm Origin – Denver
Western AM Service 11 am Origin – Denver
Western PM Service 2:30 pm Origin – Duarte
Central and Mountain time zones should adjust their service times accordingly.
Sabbath services this week will originate from Concord CA.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
