The picture above is the Golden Gate of the Jerusalem’s Old City Walls. According to Jewish tradition, the Shekhinah שכינה ) (Divine Presence) used to appear through the eastern Gate, and will appear again when the Anointed One (Messiah) comes (Ezekiel 44:1–3).
Many Bible prophecies have been fulfilled and many more are expected to be in God’s timing and relevation. The above picture of the Golden Gate is yet another clear physical evidence on this side of eternity, to enable Christians to look forward to. And God continues to reveal to us how His prophecies are fulfilled. What then would our response and challenge be given the certainty of of the Lord’s return. And certainly, prior to His return, it will be the believer rapture that we have been tarrying. Because of these glorious promises, we as children of God are instructed to do many things. See below:
1. He is to attend the services of the Lord
“…..not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but
exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).
2. He is to love believers and all men
“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men… to the end He may establish your hearts… the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints” (1 These 3:12,13).
3. He is to live a separated life
“…we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself …”(1 John 3:2,3).
“…denying ungodliness and worldly lust , we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ (Titus 2:12,13).
“ And now, little children, abideth in Him, that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming (1 John 2:28).
There are much more that Scriptures have commanded us to obey and do. We thank God for loving us, accepting us and given us eternity life through His son, our Lord Jesus Christ. The month of December has been lined up with couple of key evangelistic events leading us to our Christmas outreach service.
The certainty of our Lord’s return compels us to be living a life that is DIFFERENT! Make it count! Start with our December evangelistic efforts (see and hear out the announcements in weeks ahead).
Elder Andrew Lim