Ukraine Update / Living in Expectation of Christ's Return

PNG radio for today's culture and timeless truths come together it's recent relevant content apologetics worldview and answers to the questions that you need to know from Alex McFarland evangelistic ministries welcome to truth for a new generation radio and now the man who preached in states and 50 days speaker, writer, and advocate for Christian apologetics Dr. Alex McFarland hi Alex McFarland coming to you from the airport flying back East. After having spoken in Colorado Springs and because of the delay in my regular weekend show as we are all praying and taking in the news reports of Russia invading the Ukraine. Wednesday night I was at an event into we got reports from missionaries in Kiev that the airport in Kiev was being bombed.

As of Wednesday night, so the attack really began before it even hit the newswire lately Wednesday all throughout Thursday about 18 years ago I was in an event with a number of speakers James Dobson and Norm Geisler and Josh McDowell and one was David Noble, the founder of Summit ministries and people were talking about this issue and that issue and secularism and David Noble 18 years ago made a surprising claim. I heard him repeat that claim about 10 years ago and David Noble said the great threats to America in the future.

In the 21st century would be Russia and Marxism and everybody, look surprised because you know around 2000 to 2003, the economy was good and things were booming and you know we heard repeated reports of how communism, socialism, Marxism was dead.

The Berlin wall had fallen. The USSR was no more and capitalism and Western ideas were going into Russia and even China. Noble said 18 years ago and then I heard Dr. Noble repeat this years ago that just before the return of Christ. The two world superpowers would be Russia and China about 10 years ago I heard him name Vladimir Putin by name and Dr. Noble said that Russia under Vladimir Putin would invade Europe and ultimately Poland and Germany. It was interesting how Dr. Noble said he didn't know if they would invade America because they could probably control America without shedding blood unless we had a strong leader in the White House and I remember I was in upstate New York and Dr. Noble was saying these things that that the 800 pound gorilla in the room was not even Islam or liberal American politics, but it was socialism and it was Russian and here we are, and after Europe and America are subdued by Russia. I think those of us who believe the Bible know that Russia and China will invade Israel and will this happen in the relative near future. Or we don't know but I will say this, we are we are in tough times. We need to pray for our nation. We need to pray for our leaders, we need to pray for the world. We need to pray for the work of the gospel in all parts of the world, but I would say as an individual you need to have your house ready because Jesus is coming back and we may very likely be near the return of Christ, and often times, the idea of the rapture and the tribulation is referred to as premillennialism and just a few years ago when we were watching Hamas bomb Israel was on the radio show with a non-premillennial pastor more reformed Calvinistic pastor and generally they will not be as favorable to Israel as conservative premillennialists are but this Presbyterian pastor, with whom I was on a radio show. He said events in the Middle East make him believe that premillennialism is almost certainly true and that's an amazing statement but here is the take away. Have your house in order know Christ be living for Christ and be ready for the return of Christ. But pray stand strong for Jesus pray for the peace that we so desperately need around the world that can only come to the Lord Jesus and also let me just say this pray for the United States of America at this time. How are we to live in expectation of Christ return.

What is the appropriate mindset the right posture to maintain as we think about the return of Jesus and the end of time will the Bible make some promises regarding this in first Thessalonians 523 to 24 in the New Testament it says and may your spirit soul and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it you know it says that God will keep our body soul and spirit sound. That means preserved blameless.

We are declared righteous through our faith in Christ until the coming of our Lord Jesus, and I want to talk about that on today's program living in expectation of Christ's return and and really for things to aspire to or to keep in mind for things to aim toward as we anticipate our meeting with Jesus you know I was with a man named Arthur blessed Arthur blessed was very famous in the 70s 80s and 90s. He walked around the world carrying the cross. He said yeah every day that the presence of Jesus is so powerful and so sweet and so wonderful and and III know what he means. Jesus is that friend who sticks closer than a brother that if you're a believer.

Christ is with you and the intimate comforting, empowering presence of Jesus is a joy all day every day, but Arthur blessed said this to. He said that he would win souls and he faithfully served Jesus courageously. But here's part of what his motivation was thinking about the return of Christ, that Christ is coming back in a first Thessalonians 313 says, may he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen. Not a think about this Christ return is a reality.

It is a comfort.

It is a motivation. Christ's return is really an incentive because there are the promises related to his return, but really a warning that we are to be without spot or blemish. We are to stay faithful would be ready Thursday to come back after this brief break and will talk about for things to aspire to. As we anticipate our meeting with Jesus. Send your kids to a summer camp that will change their lives for the gospel and equip them to defend the truth for a new generation presents the unashamed biblical worldview can go deeper with God at the refuge Of Eastern North Carolina July 17-22 through 12th graders will hear from evangelist and apologist Dr. Alex McFarland as well as conference speakers, profamily activist and radio hosts will and Mickey Addison from American family radio as they share with your kids ways to effectively engage and transform the culture. Campers will also enjoy swimming, canoeing, fishing, soccer, volleyball, archery, and a whole lot a great summer camp. Upon handmade building TMJ shame can July 17-27 at the refuge cabin Carolina to learn more and to register, visit Alex Farland.com are you tired of liberal agendas ruining our country. What you don't know what to do about it.

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Join us online for our broadcast describe the relevant updates on our website. Truth and liberty.net timeless cruise soundbite culture for a new generation radio. Welcome back to truth for a new generation were talking about the end of time and we opened up with first Thessalonians 523 through 24 about our body, soul and spirit being kept blameless, you know, we are three parts were made in the image of God and God is a Trinity father-son Holy Spirit, now human beings are not God.

We are not the the divine creator that Christ is we are the creature were made, but we are made in God's image and there is a certain Trinity to man body soul and spirit in the New Testament talks about really that the part of you that lives forever, somewhere is your spirit in your body. Of course you know what your body is your tissue flesh and bones your soul. We often talk about the soul being in your soul will go to heaven but really the word for soul is the word psyche which is your mind, your knowledge, your will, your emotions in all of these things are beneficiaries in Christ's redemption. Your body soul and spirit. Now one day you'll get a glorified body but even right now and I think Paul was alluding to this when he talked about renewing the inner man your soul and spirit can be strengthened and renewed day by day as you feed on the word of God, not nothing about these things, it says you'll be kept sound.

The word is really preserved. First Thessalonians 523 in the original Greek, may your spirit soul and body be kept sound implication is a preservative that is administered from without and awarding their sound really means guarded over.

Do you know that the Lord Jesus is guarding over you right now.

He really is and it says that we are to be kept blameless. Now, this very same word is found in first Thessalonians 313 and it means without fault or defect is not something in the eyes of God.

Your blameless if your born-again believer because the righteousness of Christ is been attributed to you without fault or defect on blame the bull says first Thessalonians 523 that the Greek word there really means. Above reproach because, morally pure. Do you know in the eyes of God. Your born-again believer even you might struggle, you might stumble.

We all do but you are above reproach because you have been declared righteous in the eyes of God, and that word, it's interesting. It's also found in Philippians 1, verse 10, this word appears to read it right now. It's a fascinating verse because it means in this context appropriate.

It says that you may approve the things that are excellent and that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ without offense. If your born-again believer and so we often beat ourselves up and we say oh I blow it all the time and you have messed up again. Yes, and that's why in the Bible is first John 19 know we often use first John 19. In the context of evangelism but it's really written to believers and it says if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

So as we anticipate our meeting with Jesus we are to stand in our soundness letting God preserve us guard over us, guide us to understand that in the eyes of God. Your blameless your declared righteous that your true identity. We are to live like it and then first Thessalonians 313 blameless, listen in holiness.

Now the word is really sanctification you know this word I'm sure sanctification to be set apart set aside in Strong's concordance. This speaks to quote the Holy Spirit's influence preparing the believer for eternity. They think about that the longer you walk with Jesus, the more the old things don't even have a pull on you anymore or they shouldn't. At least the always the all behaviors but even the old emotions in the way you act in the way you react, you are more and more and more sanctified, brought into conformity with the nature of Jesus and I love what Strong's concordance, says the Holy Spirit's work of preparing the believer for eternity. It easy God's sanctification in your life that brings the gift of holiness.

It means that you can fully enjoy eternal life now and in the hereafter. Now regarding holiness. We really ought to be living in such a way that when we do transition from out of this world into heaven. There should not be a lot of culture shock that nothing about that.

There a lot of believers. And yes, they trusted Christ in their born-again, but they've not really shaped their mind in accord with Scripture.

They're not really living that new life and when they leave this world and there.

Suddenly, in the presence of the Lord in heaven is going to be a big change because here on earth. There hasn't been changed. Sanctification means were were doing our utmost to be in conformity to the word of God, in conformity to the nature of Jesus and were letting the Holy Spirit lead our lives and do the driving sweat sanctification is supposed to be about and then finally were supposed to be pure and I mentioned Philippians 110. There's a word in that verse for purity to which we have been called we are. As CS Lewis said there is a purity to which all believers are called. It says that we may approve the things that are excellent and be sincere and without offense until the day of Jesus Christ. The wording in Philippians 110 really means uncontaminated as a believer are you on contaminated or is the, the stench of the world still about you may be your vocabulary. Your language the way that you talk and the way that you fly often you lose your temper. There is a joy friend in a life surrendered submitted. I'm gonna say subjugated by the Holy Spirit. Now, as we think about the return of Christ as we look toward the end of history and we may be close. It is time to get our house in order.

It is time to be prepared. Revelation 2220 he who testifies to these things says yes I am coming soon. Jesus Christ is coming back. We need to be ready to stay tuned to this edition of truth for a new generation Alex McFarland here were talking about living in expectation of Christ's return and radio. The apostle Peter wrote first Peter to remind us that Christians have true and lasting hope in their Savior Jesus Christ.

Because Jesus conquered death in an incorruptible glorified body. We can be sure that our salvation is permanence. As we walk through everyday life, the Billy Graham training center at the Cove presents Jesus Christ hope that lives hope that lasts for every believer. A special three day seminar with Alex McFarland. Alex will dig into first Peter to help you gain truths delivered by an assurance to keep going come to the Cove near Asheville, North Carolina July 8-10 for three days of in-depth Bible study fellowship and refreshing Jesus Christ hope that lives hope that lasts for every believer.

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Find out more and register@thecove.org wanted to raise your hand during a sermon will use your chance hi Alex McFarland here from the nationally syndicated radio program exploring for more than 10 years. Micah whispered Harper and I have taught Scripture and answered hundreds and vital questions. We've compiled a brand-new book of the top 100 Bible questions from listeners of all ages from questions about supposing Bible contradictions to apologetics facts that prove the truth of Scripture. This new book features practical content that will be make the Bible come alive for you. Can we really be sure that God exists there contradictions in the Bible Bosque that will help me understand the Bible better.

There's so much good content in this book Bible questions and answers published by Broad Street publishers and available at your local bookstores and also through resources.AFA.net in the midst of a culture obsessed with relativism. Alex McFarland is a voice you can trust to speak the timeless truths of Christianity in a timely way. You're listening to the truth for a new generation radio back to the program. We are talking about living in expectation of Christ's return. But before getting to that person to mention two things for one March 8 15 and 22nd. We've got three television tapings in High Point, North Carolina, where we do our television program and I would like to invite you to come if you want to be a part of our studio audience very special tapings six to 7:30 PM so these are on three consecutive Tuesday evenings now Tuesday evening, March 8. We have will Graham in the studio, grandson of Billy Graham phenomenal Christian communicator author in person Tuesday night, March 8. Then Tuesday night, March 15 in person. In studio with us.

David Barton, the famed historian hands down the greatest expert on the religious history of America. David Barton March 15, six to 7:30 PM and then finally on March 22 live in studio Lauren Greene of Fox News, you can be there. We want to have a really good studio audience sent out so if you email me at alex@alexmcfarland.com alex@alexmcfarland.com. If you want to come on Tuesday night, March 8 with will Graham Tuesday night March 15 with David Barton or Tuesday night March 22 with Lauren Greene of Fox news email me Alex. Alex and five and.com will tell you how you can be a part of the studio audience. As we film our TV ship. The other thing I want to tell you is our brand-new book. My other radio program is called exploring the word heard live every day on the American family radio network in my cohost of that program, Bert Harper and I wrote a book together. The top 100 questions from the first 10 years of exploring the word and we got all sorts of questions in it. What about the Bible. What about Jesus and the resurrection point about transgender is in gay marriage should a Christian attend a gay wedding. There are 100 questions and answers it's published by Broad Street publications. It's on Amazon right now all the Christian booksellers in the Barnes & Noble ask for the book, the 100 Bible questions and answers by Alex McFarland and Bert Harper but right now living in expectation of Christ's return. You know, by the way, this is the subject of eschatology and time things and and I want to make up a point here to say that the Bible makes no provision whatsoever for reincarnation or what some people say quote" a second chance I've had people tell me that well you know if they didn't make it in this life quote."

They would come back multiple times, but the Bible says in Hebrews 927 to 28 and as it is appointed to man once to die, but after this the judgment, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and to them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin under salvation. Jesus is coming back.

I mean really think about this Israel is in their land. There's instability around the world every day.

Where were watching the calls for a cashless society going to crypto currencies look the masked mandate of the last year year and 1/2 shows how governments and culture itself will pressure people into doing things and friend there's there's really nothing that stands in the way of prohibiting the rapture from Taking Pl. in Christ calling out the church seven years of tribulation will institute Matthew 2430 talks about the day that he would return and he said, quote the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.

They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory in Zechariah 14, three through four says Jesus will stand on the Mount of olives, the Mount of olives will split into Jesus will ride to earth from heaven on a white horse and will rightly and victoriously assume his place as King of Kings and Lord of lords revelation 1911 through 16 know it's interesting just as the Red Sea was parted and just as the Mount of olives will cleave and split into.

There is a line of division going down through history and look that the line of demarcation by which we delineate human beings.

It's not fundamentally male and female, although that is objectively true God.

Genesis 1 2627 God made male and female friends.

Transgender is and is false. But listen to this. The fundamental division criteria of history is not rich or poor, Easter West, Jew, Gentile Oriental Occidental look it all boils down to, are you saved have you trusted Christ when history concludes there will be those that received Jesus and those that didn't.

And so we are to live in expectation of Christ's return. And for those of us that know the Lord. We are to help others find the Lord and as Arthur Blessed said where to be committed to evangelism. You know what when I was with Arthur were talking about the end of time, and he was talking about that in one of his books the cross bearer reread a little portion here.

Arthur Blessed said there are many who bear the cross but they did not follow the Lord that come for salvation, but they're not really surrendered to Jesus. They forget that salvation is not merely a future admittance to heaven, but is an immediate enjoyment of the presence of Jesus here in our life now has a friend, as our guide, taking up the cross is but an incident is indispensable indeed, but is not the whole of our duty. We are to hunger to be a true cross bearer following Jesus and we are to overcome the conflict between Jesus and the world between Jesus and religion overcome the conflict between Jesus and myself. We are a Pilgrim every day since Arthur Blessed allowing Jesus to be at work in us and he said, be assured. The process can be painful and it really can. But you know what's even more painful than the discipline of discipleship that pain that many will experience of meeting Christ unprepared.

Are you ready are you sound and blameless and holy and set apart and letting Jesus the Lord God, Messiah, teacher Kane. He is the, the Lord of all that you are pray for you and I hope you're praying for us. I hope you're following what we believe God is telling us to teach and proclaim that we are to be pure and blameless because we will meet Christ face-to-face one day. May God bless you.

May God be with you.

Stand strong. TMG radio is made possible by the friend of Alex McFarland evangelistic ministry, PO Box 10231, Greensboro, NC 27404. That's PO Box 10231, Greensboro, NC 27404 call us at 877 yes God one that's 877 yes, God, and the number one. Forgive online@alexmcfarland.com while you're there, listen to program archives. Read Alex's blog invite Alex to speak at your event or contact Alex with a question or comment, Alex McFarland.com. Thanks for listening today and join us again next time. For more truth for a new generation on TMG radio