thebiblewithmike

Thanks for tuning in!

Discerning the Times - Michael Hangzo

As we look at the passage from Romans 13:11-14, we are reminded of the perilous times we are living in. Paul encourages Christians to wake up from their spiritual sleep because the day of the Lord's return is nearer now than ever. Paul admonishes us to Cast off the works of darkness (cf. Eph. 4:24 - "to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true Righteousness and Holiness." [ESV]) and at the end to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ", as in to reflect Christ in your life consistently by studying, praying, praising, reading and listening to His word. Justification is a one time event, and sanctification of the believer is a lifelong process - you cannot attain perfection and be free from sin until the return of Christ and be glorified with Him.

This study also briefly mentions the crisis of our generation, decaying morality and the society that goes against God's word [2 Timothy 3:1-5 "But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud and arrogant, abusive,disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather that lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness but denying its power." 

We have to stay alert and be aware of the times - to be able to discern the times we are living in. While we live in anticipation of His return, let us live holy and righteous lives pleasing God and loving one another in brotherly love - thereby fulfilling the Lord's command. 

Amen. 

Hi, Michael here and I'll be leading the study of the Word of God from the book of Luke 19:11-27. Make sure you have your hearts and your bibles open as we study this text.