How Long Does Church Last?

Is Jesus Coming Back April 4th?

Is Jesus Coming Back April 4th? The question of whether Jesus will return on a specific date, such as April 4th, is one that has been asked throughout Christian history. The Bible clearly states that no one knows the exact day or hour of Jesus’ return (Matthew 24:36). While there have been many attempts throughout history to predict the date of His Second Coming, all such predictions have proven to be incorrect. It is important for Christians to approach date-setting with caution, as it contradicts the teachings of Jesus Himself. 1. Jesus' Teachings on the Uncertainty of His Return In Matthew 24:36, Jesus makes it clear that no one knows the day or the hour of His return. He says, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” The unpredictability of His return is emphasized in several passages of Scripture, and believers are instructed to always be watchful and prepared, as the timing is not revealed to humanity. Jesus warns in Matthew 24:44, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” 2. The Danger of Date-Setting Throughout history, there have been many individuals and groups who have tried to predict the exact date of Christ’s return, but these predictions have all been proven false. The Bible warns against making such predictions. In Acts 1:7, when the disciples asked Jesus about the timing of the Kingdom of God, He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.” Any attempt to predict Jesus’ return is therefore misguided and contradicts the biblical teaching that only God the Father knows the appointed time. 3. Living in Expectation, Not Date-Setting Instead of focusing on a specific date, Christians are encouraged to live in constant readiness for Christ’s return. Jesus teaches in Matthew 25:13, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Christians are to live faithfully, spreading the gospel, loving others, and awaiting the return of Jesus without being preoccupied with when it will occur. The focus should be on the quality of one’s relationship with God, not on speculating about a date. 4. Conclusion While it is natural to be curious about the timing of Jesus' return, the Bible makes it clear that we are not to know the exact date. Predictions about specific days, such as April 4th, are not consistent with Scripture and should be avoided. Instead, Christians are called to live in anticipation of Jesus’ return, always ready, and focused on following Christ daily.

When God Made You My Father

When God Made You My Father In a world full of trials and joys, we often reflect on the great gifts God has given us, particularly the gift of family. For many, fathers play a central role in shaping their lives. The Bible emphasizes the unique role of fathers, as seen in Ephesians 6:4 (KJV): “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” A father’s responsibility is not only to provide physically but also spiritually, guiding his children in the ways of the Lord. God’s Role in Creating Fathers Fathers are a reflection of God's own fatherhood, characterized by love, patience, and discipline. In Matthew 7:9-11 (KJV), Jesus speaks of the goodness of a father, saying, “Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?” This illustrates the love a father has for his children, and by extension, the love that God has for His people. The Blessing of Fatherhood When God made you my father, He designed a special relationship—one based on love, protection, and guidance. Just as God is a loving Father to His children, so too are earthly fathers called to model this love. Proverbs 4:1-2 (KJV) encourages children to listen to their father’s teaching: “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” This underscores the divine significance of the father-child relationship.

Can Christians Eat Pork?

Can Christians Eat Pork?The question of whether Christians can eat pork stems from Old Testament dietary laws and their application in the New Testament. While the Mosaic Law prohibited the consumption of pork (Leviticus 11:7-8), the New Testament introduces a new covenant that frees believers from these dietary restrictions.Old Testament ProhibitionsDietary Laws for Israel: In Leviticus 11, God outlines clean and unclean animals, forbidding the consumption of pork because pigs do not chew the cud.Symbolism of Purity: These laws symbolized Israel’s call to holiness and separation from other nations, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:2: "For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God."New Testament FreedomJesus Fulfills the Law: In Mark 7:18-19, Jesus declares all foods clean, emphasizing inner purity over dietary practices: "Whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him."Peters’ Vision: Acts 10:15 records God telling Peter: "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common," symbolizing the removal of dietary restrictions and the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith.Freedom in Christ: Colossians 2:16 affirms: "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday."ConclusionChristians are not bound by Old Testament dietary laws and are free to eat pork as part of their liberty in Christ. However, decisions about food should honor God and respect personal or cultural convictions (Romans 14:20-23).

Why Do Christians Wear Crosses?

Why Do Christians Wear Crosses?Christians often wear crosses as a symbol of their faith, representing Jesus’ sacrifice and the redemption it brings. The cross is a powerful reminder of God’s love, grace, and the victory over sin and death through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.The Significance of the Cross1. A Symbol of Salvation: The cross represents the core of Christian faith—the sacrificial death of Jesus for humanity’s sins. As 1 Corinthians 1:18 states, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."2. Victory Over Death: By wearing a cross, Christians celebrate Jesus’ triumph over death through His resurrection, offering eternal life to believers (Romans 6:9-10).Reasons Christians Wear Crosses1. Personal Identification: Wearing a cross serves as a public declaration of faith and a reminder of one’s commitment to live according to Christian principles.2. Spiritual Comfort: Many Christians find wearing a cross comforting, as it reminds them of God’s presence and the hope found in Jesus.3. Cultural and Historical Tradition: The practice of wearing crosses has deep roots in Christian history, symbolizing solidarity with the Church and its teachings.Why This MattersFor Christians, the cross is not just a piece of jewelry but a meaningful emblem of their faith, hope, and gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice and victory over sin.