Future Hope for Present Change, Luke 21:5-19

Jesus speaks of wars, tumults, earthquakes, and diseases as well as persecutions for his followers. All of these things are what has been taking place since his death and resurrection throughout the world around us. What are we to make of that? How should we live in the midst of these things around us? What is our anchor into the future renewal of all things and how does knowing of the future return of Jesus and the resurrection affect us in the here and now?

Image: A bear has overturned a beehive and is attacked by bees, etching by J. Kirk after F.Barlow for a fable by Aesop, public domain. Image Location: https://wellcomecollection.org/works/b43wpm8n/images?id=aa6gc5ct

Hope toward the Future from the Past in the Present, Zechariah 14:1-9, Luke 21:24-33

As we consider ‘hope’ in Advent, Father Jeremiah points out how it looks to the future while being rooted in the past that we might be sustained in the present. Advent helps us continue forward in this world knowing that God the Father will fulfill his promises.

Image: Second Coming icon, public domain, location: https://garystockbridge617.getarchive.net/media/icon-second-coming-d49e6f

Advent Confrontation: Needing an Advent Hope, Zechariah 14, Luke 21.25-33

With the beginning of Advent, we return to visit the reality of Jesus’ coming again. Advent is not only about preparing for Jesus’ birth, but also preparing fo this second coming. Today we hear from both Zechariah and Luke and consider the consequences of these passages for us today.

Image: From an 18th c. illustrated copy of Josephus’ Works, no copyright found. Location: http://www.joeledmundanderson.com/jesus-and-the-olivet-discourse-the-abomination-of-desolation-and-other-cosmic-stuff-part-4-the-jewish-war-series/

www.gracegastonia.com/sermon-blog/2021/11/28/advent-confrontation-needing-an-advent-hope-zechariah-14-luke-2125-33

The End, Then and Now, Luke 21.5-19

What is the end of the world all about in Luke 21? We have many assumptions about his passage, but the reality is that it is simply what it is: a prophecy about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and what will happen to the disciples before that. How does this affect us today? Is there something we can learn about what Jesus promises the disciples? Can we depend upon Jesus in the same way as they did during their time of testing? Listen now to find out more from Father Jeremiah.

Image: Douce Apocalypse - Bodleian Ms180, Anonymous (Public Domain). Image Location: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Douce_Apocalypse_-_Bodleian_Ms180_-_p.039_Christ_proclaimed_by_the_elders.jpg