By Not Known
For those unaware, earlier this week, apocalyptic news sites reported a claim by numerologist David Meade that the end of the world was going to be ushered in tomorrow (23 April) by the appearance of a mysterious Planet X. In case you might assume this is part of a comic-book superhero movie plotline (check out the related banner outside our church today), think again. A quick Google search will confirm that this is not fake news, but it could well be a fake speculation again, being that this is actually the sixth time Meade is claiming this since 2003.
Today’s passage in Mark 13 aptly records Jesus’ teachings about the signs of the end times, and that no one except God the Father knows the day or hour when Christ will come again, ushering the end of the age (v. 32). Jesus reminds His disciples to watch out, to be on guard, and to stand firm.
Over at the youth ministry, we are in the midst of a sermon series “D is for Disciple,” focusing on growing in spiritual discontent or hunger for God and the things of God, nurturing our minds in spiritual discernment, and challenging our commitment to spiritual disciplines. In this day and age, with pervasive false teachings through pseudo-church groups or cults, floods of fake news on the Internet, and all forms of humanistic, post-modern and twisted philosophies and worldviews, our young people truly need discernment and wisdom from the Lord through His Word and Spirit.
Romans 12:2 reminds us not to follow or be conformed to the world’s pattern, but to be transformed by renewing our minds, testing and approving God’s good, pleasing and perfect will. Let us focus on the author and perfector of our faith, Jesus Christ, who is the only Way, Truth and Life. Whether the world ends tomorrow or not: we can have the full assurance that our lives are in God’s hands, God is sovereign, and we are to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.