Hosted by TruLight Ministries – The Place of Truth
Before Jesus left this earth, He said He would return. During His Olivet Discourse, the Lord told His disciples that everyone one day would “see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory” (Matthew 24:30). The night of His arrest, Jesus promised, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:3). And as He stood trial before the high priest, Jesus said, “You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). We have the promises, but we are still waiting. Jesus has not returned yet.
There is also an assurance from the angels that Jesus would return some day. After Jesus ascended into heaven, as His disciples were still gazing up into the sky, two angels comforted the disciples with these words: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Later, John sees a vision of Jesus Christ telling him, “Look, I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:7). Still, Jesus has not returned. Where is He, and what’s taking Him so long?
As groundwork for the answer, we should remember that God has not revealed the timing of His Son’s return to any man, or to any angel for that matter (Matthew 24:36). Jesus is coming, and we need to be ready (Matthew 24:42, 44), but we leave the timing of His return up to God.
Then, we should keep in mind the following:
God is patient with sinners. Peter exhorts those who were doubting the Lord’s return with these words: “Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:8–9).
The next event in God’s prophetic plan is the Battle of Gog and Magog. Many Christians see the rapture as an event distinct from the second coming of Christ. Paul reveals a few details about the rapture: “The Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). The rapture is not imminent—over 18 prophesied event stands between now and the rapture (see 1 Peter 1:20; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 1:2). In contrast, the second coming will happen before the Rapture and After the events of Matthew 24 have occurred (Matthew 24:33).
Jesus’ statements that He was coming “soon” should be properly understood. The Greek word tachu, which is translated “soon” or “quickly” in Revelation 22:20, can also mean “without unnecessary delay” or “suddenly.” It does not have to mean “immediately.” Jesus’ meaning seems to be that, once end-times events have been set in motion, things will move quickly, without any unnecessary delay. The plagues of Revelation will follow one right after another, and at the end Jesus will come “suddenly.”
We should live in the expectancy that our personnal rapture (Death) could occur at any moment. The Lord wants every generation to have the conscious awareness that He may suddenly appear for every Christian 5 Minutes after their Death.
For the believer, the return of the Lord is the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). Jesus has promised that He will come back for us, and that promise is enough. We trust in Him and rest in God’s perfect timing.
Voordat Jesus hierdie aarde verlaat het, het Hy gesê Hy sou terugkeer. Tydens Sy Olyfbergrede het die Here vir Sy dissipels gesê dat almal eendag “die Seun van die mens sou sien kom op die wolke van die hemel, met groot krag en heerlikheid” (Matteus 24:30). Die nag van Sy arrestasie het Jesus belowe: “Ek sal terugkom en julle na My toe neem, sodat julle ook kan wees waar Ek is” (Johannes 14:3). En terwyl Hy voor die hoëpriester tereggestaan het, het Jesus gesê: “Julle sal die Seun van die mens sien sit aan die regterhand van die Magtige en kom op die wolke van die hemel” (Markus 14:62). Ons het die beloftes, maar ons wag nog steeds. Jesus het nog nie teruggekeer nie.
Daar is ook ‘n versekering van die engele dat Jesus eendag sou terugkeer. Nadat Jesus na die hemel opgevaar het, terwyl Sy dissipels nog steeds na die lug gestaar het, het twee engele die dissipels met hierdie woorde vertroos: “Hierdie Jesus wat van julle na die hemel opgeneem is, sal net so terugkom soos julle Hom na die hemel sien wegvaar het” (Handelinge 1:11). Later sien Johannes ‘n visioen van Jesus Christus wat vir hom sê: “Kyk, Ek kom gou!” (Openbaring 22:7). Tog het Jesus nie teruggekeer nie. Waar is Hy, en wat neem Hom so lank?
As grondslag vir die antwoord, moet ons onthou dat God nie die tydsberekening van Sy Seun se terugkeer aan enige mens, of aan enige engel, geopenbaar het nie (Matteus 24:36). Jesus kom, en ons moet gereed wees (Matteus 24:42, 44), maar ons laat die tydsberekening van Sy terugkeer aan God oor.
Dan moet ons die volgende in gedagte hou:
God is geduldig met sondaars. Petrus vermaan diegene wat aan die Here se wederkoms getwyfel het met hierdie woorde: “Onthou hierdie een ding nie, liewe vriende: vir die Here is een dag soos duisend jaar en duisend jaar soos een dag. Die Here vertraag nie sy belofte soos sommige dit vertraag nie, maar Hy is geduldig met julle, omdat Hy nie wil hê dat iemand verlore moet gaan nie, maar dat almal tot bekering moet kom” (2 Petrus 3:8–9).
Die volgende gebeurtenis in God se profetiese plan is die Slag van Gog en Magog. Baie Christene sien die wegraping as ‘n gebeurtenis wat onderskei word van die wederkoms van Christus. Paulus onthul ‘n paar besonderhede oor die wegraping: “Die Here self sal van die hemel neerdaal met ‘n luide geroep, met die stem van ‘n aartsengel en met die basuinroep van God; en die wat in Christus gesterf het, sal eerste opstaan. Daarna sal ons wat in die lewe oorbly, saam met hulle in die wolke weggevoer word om die Here in die lug te ontmoet. En so sal ons vir ewig by die Here wees” (1 Tessalonisense 4:16–17). Die wegraping is nie op hande nie—meer as 18 geprofeteerde gebeurtenisse lê tussen nou en die wegraping (sien 1 Petrus 1:20; 1 Korintiërs 10:11; Hebreërs 1:2). In teenstelling hiermee sal die wederkoms plaasvind voor die Wegraping en nadat die gebeure van Matteus 24 plaasgevind het (Matteus 24:33).
Jesus se stellings dat Hy “binnekort” sou kom, moet reg verstaan word. Die Griekse woord tachu, wat in Openbaring 22:20 as “binnekort” of “vinnig” vertaal word, kan ook “sonder onnodige vertraging” of “skielik” beteken. Dit hoef nie “onmiddellik” te beteken nie. Jesus se bedoeling blyk te wees dat, sodra eindtydgebeure aan die gang gesit is, dinge vinnig sal beweeg, sonder enige onnodige vertraging. Die plae van Openbaring sal een na die ander volg, en aan die einde sal Jesus “skielik” kom.
Ons moet in die verwagting leef dat ons persoonlike wegraping (Dood) enige oomblik kan plaasvind. Die Here wil hê dat elke geslag die bewuste bewustheid moet hê dat Hy skielik vir elke Christen 5 minute na hul dood kan verskyn.
Vir die gelowige is die wederkoms van die Here die “geseënde hoop” (Titus 2:13). Jesus het belowe dat Hy vir ons sal terugkom, en daardie belofte is genoeg. Ons vertrou op Hom en rus in God se perfekte tydsberekening.
Bible Verse and Prayer for Today
We are righteous because of God’s mercy and grace (Ephesians 2:1-10). These were given to us in Jesus! We received them because of our faith in him. We are remembered because of God’s faithfulness. We are heard because of God’s lovingkindness. We are blessed because God is good. Let’s choose to live in righteous ways, seeking to live up to who Christ has declared us to be (Colossians 1:22). As we do, let’s know that God, our loving Father, keeps us in his sight and watches over us with loving care.
Prayer
Thank you, Father, for seeing our needs, hearing our cries, answering our prayers, and coming down to save, comfort, and bless us with your grace. In Jesus’ name, we thank you. Amen and Amen.
Bybel Vers en Gebed vir Vandag
Ons is regverdig as gevolg van God se barmhartigheid en genade (Efesiërs 2:1-10). Hierdie is aan ons gegee in Jesus! Ons het hulle ontvang as gevolg van ons geloof in Hom. Ons word onthou as gevolg van God se getrouheid. Ons word verhoor as gevolg van God se goedertierenheid. Ons is geseënd omdat God goed is. Laat ons kies om op regverdige maniere te leef en daarna te streef om te leef volgens wie Christus ons verklaar het om te wees (Kolossense 1:22). Terwyl ons dit doen, laat ons weet dat God, ons liefdevolle Vader, ons in sy oë hou en met liefdevolle sorg oor ons waak.
Gebed
Dankie, Vader, dat U ons behoeftes raaksien, ons geroep hoor, ons gebede verhoor en neerdaal om ons te red, te vertroos en te seën met u genade. In Jesus se Naam dank ons U. Amen en Amen.
Bible Teaching of the Day
As part of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus illustrates events of the end times with a series of parables. One is the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13). The plot of Jesus’ parable runs this way:
- ten virgin bridesmaids await the coming of the bridegroom and the start of the wedding festivities
- five of the bridesmaids foolishly fail to bring extra oil for their lamps
- five of the bridesmaids wisely bring extra oil for their lamps
- all ten of the bridesmaids fall asleep as they wait
- they are roused at midnight when a cry goes out, “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” (Matthew 25:6)
- the foolish virgins ask their companions for oil, since their lamps are going out
- the wise virgins, who have no oil to spare, advise the unprepared to go buy oil somewhere
- while the five foolish virgins are away, the bridegroom comes
- the wise virgins enter the wedding banquet, and the door is shut
- the foolish virgins return but find the door shut against them
- they knock but are refused admittance
In introducing the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven will be like” this (Matthew 25:1). He states His point of the parable in Matthew 25:13: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
The cultural setting of the parable is a first-century Jewish wedding. D. A. Carson explains the custom: “Normally the bridegroom with some close friends left his home to go to the bride’s home, where there were various ceremonies, followed by a procession through the streets—after nightfall—to his home. The ten virgins may be bridesmaids who have been assisting the bride; and they expect to meet the groom as he comes from the bride’s house. . . . Everyone in the procession was expected to carry his or her own torch. Those without a torch would be assumed to be party crashers or even brigands. The festivities, which might last several days, would formally get under way at the groom’s house” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 8, Zondervan Publishing House, 1984, p. 513). The “torch” or “lamp” was either a stick with a rag soaked in oil on the end of it or a lamp with a small oil reservoir and wick. Either way, maintaining the flame would require the occasional addition of oil.
We believe a better interpretation is that the parable of the ten virgins pictures Christ’s second coming at the end of the tribulation. Our view is that all the parables in this series relate to the church. The Church during the end times is the focus of Matthew 24, and Matthew 25 continues that theme. So, in our view, the bridegroom in the parable is Jesus Christ, and the waiting bridesmaids are His True Church. Will His Church be ready to receive the Lord as her Messiah? Jesus’ answer in the parable is that some will be ready to enter the kingdom, and some will not.
The underlying message of the parable is that Christ will return at an unknown hour and that His people must be ready. This theme is emphasized in Jesus’ words that close the parable: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13). Earlier in His discourse, Jesus made the same point:
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (Matthew 24:36)
Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. (Matthew 24:42)
The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. (Matthew 24:50)
Similar calls to vigilance are found elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., 2 Peter 3:10).
To be ready for Christ’s return, a person must have faith in Christ. Whether that person is in the church age or the time of the tribulation, faith in Christ is what saves. We must be born again. To use a metaphor from Jesus’ parable, we must have the oil. The Holy Spirit must indwell us, producing the light of life. Without the Holy Spirit, we are unprepared. It won’t matter how vigorously we knock or how loudly we proclaim, “Lord, Lord!” Only those who, through the Spirit, are prepared for the coming of the Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven.
Bybel Lering vir die Dag
As deel van die Olyfbergrede illustreer Jesus gebeure van die eindtye met ‘n reeks gelykenisse. Een is die gelykenis van die tien maagde (Matteus 25:1–13). Die plot van Jesus se gelykenis verloop soos volg:
- tien maagdelike strooimeisies wag vir die koms van die bruidegom en die begin van die troue
- vyf van die strooimeisies versuim dwaaslik om ekstra olie vir hulle lampe te bring
- vyf van die strooimeisies bring wyslik ekstra olie vir hulle lampe
- al tien strooimeisies raak aan die slaap terwyl hulle wag
- hulle word middernag wakker gemaak wanneer ‘n geroep uitgaan: “Hier is die bruidegom! Kom uit om hom te ontmoet!” (Matteus 25:6)
- Die dwase maagde vra hul metgeselle vir olie, aangesien hul lampe uitgaan
- Die wyse maagde, wat geen olie oor het nie, raai die onvoorbereides aan om êrens olie te gaan koop
- Terwyl die vyf dwase maagde weg is, kom die bruidegom
- Die wyse maagde gaan die bruilofsfees binne, en die deur word toegemaak
- Die dwase maagde kom terug, maar vind die deur toe vir hulle
- Hulle klop, maar word toegang geweier
In die bekendstelling van die gelykenis van die tien maagde, het Jesus gesê: “Die koninkryk van die hemele sal so wees” (Matteus 25:1). Hy stel Sy punt van die gelykenis in Matteus 25:13: “Hou dus waaksaam, want julle weet die dag of die uur nie.”
Die kulturele agtergrond van die gelykenis is ‘n eerste-eeuse Joodse troue. D. A. Carson verduidelik die gebruik: “Normaalweg het die bruidegom saam met ‘n paar goeie vriende sy huis verlaat om na die bruid se huis te gaan, waar daar verskeie seremonies was, gevolg deur ‘n optog deur die strate – na sononder – na sy huis. Die tien maagde is dalk strooimeisies wat die bruid bygestaan het; en hulle verwag om die bruidegom te ontmoet soos hy van die bruid se huis af kom. . . . Daar is van almal in die optog verwag om sy of haar eie fakkel te dra. Diegene sonder ‘n fakkel sou aangeneem word as partytjie-ontbossers of selfs rowers. Die feestelikhede, wat ‘n paar dae kon duur, sou formeel by die bruidegom se huis begin” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 8, Zondervan Publishing House, 1984, bl. 513). Die “fakkel” of “lamp” was óf ‘n stok met ‘n lap geweek in olie aan die punt daarvan óf ‘n lamp met ‘n klein oliereservoir en lont. Hoe dit ook al sy, om die vlam in stand te hou, sou die af en toe byvoeging van olie vereis.
Ons glo ‘n beter interpretasie is dat die gelykenis van die tien maagde Christus se wederkoms aan die einde van die verdrukking uitbeeld. Ons siening is dat al die gelykenisse in hierdie reeks verband hou met die kerk. Die Kerk gedurende die eindtye is die fokus van Matteus 24, en Matteus 25 sit daardie tema voort. Dus, na ons mening, is die bruidegom in die gelykenis Jesus Christus, en die wagtende bruidsmeisies is Sy Ware Kerk. Sal Sy Kerk gereed wees om die Here as haar Messias te ontvang? Jesus se antwoord in die gelykenis is dat sommige gereed sal wees om die koninkryk binne te gaan, en sommige nie.
Die onderliggende boodskap van die gelykenis is dat Christus op ‘n onbekende uur sal terugkeer en dat Sy mense gereed moet wees. Hierdie tema word beklemtoon in Jesus se woorde wat die gelykenis afsluit: “Hou dus waak, want julle weet nie die dag of die uur nie” (Matteus 25:13). Vroeër in Sy toespraak het Jesus dieselfde punt gemaak:
Maar van daardie dag of uur weet niemand nie, ook nie die engele in die hemel of die Seun nie, maar net die Vader. (Matteus 24:36)
Waak, want julle weet nie op watter dag julle Here kom nie. (Matteus 24:42)
Die heer van daardie dienskneg sal kom op ‘n dag dat hy Hom nie verwag nie, en op ‘n uur waarvan hy nie bewus is nie. (Matteus 24:50)
Soortgelyke oproepe tot waaksaamheid word elders in die Skrif gevind (bv. 2 Petrus 3:10).
Om gereed te wees vir Christus se wederkoms, moet ‘n persoon geloof in Christus hê. Of daardie persoon nou in die kerkbedeling of die tyd van die verdrukking is, geloof in Christus is wat red. Ons moet wedergebore word. Om ‘n metafoor uit Jesus se gelykenis te gebruik, ons moet die olie hê. Die Heilige Gees moet in ons woon en die lig van die lewe voortbring. Sonder die Heilige Gees is ons onvoorbereid. Dit maak nie saak hoe kragtig ons klop of hoe hard ons uitroep: “Here, Here!” Slegs diegene wat deur die Gees voorbereid is vir die koms van die Here, sal die koninkryk van die hemele binnegaan.
Today’s Devotional
Through the apostle John in Revelation 2—3, Jesus addressed seven letters to seven churches in Asia Minor. They were individualized letters of instruction, rebuke, and encouragement to the local congregations. To the last church, the lukewarm church in Laodicea, Jesus made this urgent plea: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me” (Revelation 3:20).
The idea of Jesus standing at a door and knocking is often used as an illustration of Jesus’ offer of salvation to individuals: if you would only “open your heart’s door” and let Jesus into your life, all will be well. But in Revelation 3:20, Jesus is not pleading with an individual to be saved; He’s seeking admittance to a church! It’s alarming to think of Jesus standing outside of the church and knocking, but that’s the position He was in. The Laodicean church had shut the door on the Head of the church; they were smug in their prosperity, but Jesus was left standing in the cold. He was an outsider to the hearts of the entire congregation.
Most of the seven letters contained a compliment, a complaint or criticism, a command, and a commitment from Jesus. But the church of Laodicea, like their spiritually dead sister church in Sardis, merited no words of approval from Jesus. The Laodiceans were guilty of self-reliance, self-righteousness, and spiritual indifference. Even worse, the church was unaware of their wretched condition.
To the congregation at Laodicea, Jesus issued this scathing criticism: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked’” (Revelation 3:15–17).
In their proud, self-satisfied, and spiritually blind state, the church of Laodicea was useless in God’s kingdom. Using figurative language, Jesus issued His command, beckoning the members of the church to exchange their counterfeit righteousness for genuine righteousness (Revelation 3:18). He called the church to be zealous and repent (verse 19).
Christ’s appeal was heartfelt and urgent: “Listen! I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20, NET). The Lord’s plea was also personal. He spoke to individuals using singular words like anyone, his, him, and he. He was inviting everyone in the church to experience intimate fellowship with Him. And even though His desire was for the whole church to respond and open the door to Him, ultimately it was up to the individual to decide.
Jesus knows that not everyone will answer His invitation and open the door to a relationship with Him. Many, like those living in Laodicea, will choose to reject His call. Lukewarm, and with hardened hearts, they will remain blind to the fact that they have accepted a false righteousness (Hebrews 3:7–8). To these Jesus will say, “I never knew you, depart from me” (Matthew 7:21–23). Sadly, they will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
During His ministry on earth, Jesus went to great lengths to demonstrate that righteousness comes to us as a gift through faith alone. Having Christ’s righteousness, by grace through faith, is the only way to enter the kingdom of heaven (Romans 3:24–25; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:4–8).
When Jesus said, “I stand at the door and knock,” He was inviting the members of the Laodicean church to recognize their miserable spiritual condition and receive His authentic gift of salvation. Like the apostle Paul, the Laodiceans needed to realize their absolute dependence on Christ: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith” (Philippians 3:8–9).
To those who would open the door, Jesus promised a close fellowship, pictured as enjoying a meal together. And He offered this great reward: “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21). These words were Christ’s commitment to the Laodicean church.
Today Jesus continues to say, “I stand at the door and knock!” To churches who are filled with nominal Christians, He sends out His earnest invitation for full fellowship. The One who holds the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19; Revelation 1:18; 3:7) calls us all to hear His voice and open the door so that He can come in and share an intimate union with us. To those who respond, Jesus Christ guarantees the open door of eternal life and the reward of ruling with Him in heaven.
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Vandag se Bemoediging
Deur die apostel Johannes in Openbaring 2-3 het Jesus sewe briewe aan sewe kerke in Klein-Asië gerig. Dit was geïndividualiseerde briewe van instruksie, teregwysing en bemoediging aan die plaaslike gemeentes. Aan die laaste kerk, die louwarm kerk in Laodisea, het Jesus hierdie dringende pleidooi gerig: “Hier is Ek! Ek staan by die deur en klop. As iemand my stem hoor en die deur oopmaak, sal Ek ingaan en saam met hom eet, en hulle met My” (Openbaring 3:20).
Die idee van Jesus wat by ‘n deur staan en klop, word dikwels gebruik as ‘n illustrasie van Jesus se aanbod van verlossing aan individue: as jy net “die deur van jou hart oopmaak” en Jesus in jou lewe toelaat, sal alles goed gaan. Maar in Openbaring 3:20 pleit Jesus nie by ‘n individu om gered te word nie; Hy soek toegang tot ‘n kerk! Dit is kommerwekkend om te dink aan Jesus wat buite die kerk staan en klop, maar dit is die posisie waarin Hy was. Die Laodisea-kerk het die deur vir die Hoof van die kerk toegemaak; Hulle was selfvoldaan in hul voorspoed, maar Jesus is in die koue gelaat. Hy was ‘n buitestaander vir die harte van die hele gemeente.
Die meeste van die sewe briewe het ‘n kompliment, ‘n klagte of kritiek, ‘n bevel en ‘n verbintenis van Jesus bevat. Maar die kerk van Laodisea, soos hul geestelik dooie susterkerk in Sardis, het geen woorde van goedkeuring van Jesus verdien nie. Die Laodisense was skuldig aan selfstandigheid, eiegeregtigheid en geestelike onverskilligheid. Nog erger, die kerk was onbewus van hul ellendige toestand.
Aan die gemeente in Laodisea het Jesus hierdie skerp kritiek gerig: “Ek ken jou dade, dat jy nie koud of warm is nie. Was jy maar net die een of die ander! Omdat jy lou is – nie warm of koud nie – gaan Ek jou uit my mond spoeg. Jy sê: ‘Ek is ryk; ek het rykdom verwerf en het niks nodig nie.’ Maar jy weet nie dat jy ellendig en bejammerenswaardig en arm, blind en naak is nie’” (Openbaring 3:15–17).
In hul trotse, selfvoldane en geestelik blinde toestand was die kerk van Laodisea nutteloos in God se koninkryk. Deur middel van figuurlike taal het Jesus Sy bevel gegee en die lede van die kerk gewink om hul nagemaakte geregtigheid vir ware geregtigheid te verruil (Openbaring 3:18). Hy het die kerk opgeroep om ywerig te wees en hulle te bekeer (vers 19).
Christus se pleidooi was hartlik en dringend: “Luister! Ek staan by die deur en Ek klop. As iemand my stem hoor en die deur oopmaak, sal Ek in sy huis ingaan en met hom saam eet, en hy met My” (Openbaring 3:20). Die Here se pleidooi was ook persoonlik. Hy het met individue gepraat deur enkelvoudige woorde soos enigiemand, syne, hom en hy te gebruik. Hy het almal in die kerk genooi om intieme gemeenskap met Hom te ervaar. En al was Sy begeerte dat die hele kerk moes reageer en die deur vir Hom moes oopmaak, was dit uiteindelik aan die individu om te besluit.
Jesus weet dat nie almal op Sy uitnodiging sal antwoord en die deur na ‘n verhouding met Hom sal oopmaak nie. Baie, soos diegene wat in Laodisea woon, sal kies om Sy roepstem te verwerp. Louwarm, en met verharde harte, sal hulle blind bly vir die feit dat hulle ‘n valse geregtigheid aanvaar het (Hebreërs 3:7–8). Vir hulle sal Jesus sê: “Ek het julle nooit geken nie, gaan weg van My” (Matteus 7:21–23). Ongelukkig sal hulle nie die koninkryk van die hemele binnegaan nie.
Tydens Sy bediening op aarde het Jesus groot moeite gedoen om te demonstreer dat geregtigheid na ons toe kom as ‘n geskenk deur geloof alleen. Om Christus se geregtigheid te hê, deur genade deur geloof, is die enigste manier om die koninkryk van die hemele binne te gaan (Romeine 3:24–25; 2 Korintiërs 5:21; Efesiërs 2:4–8).
Toe Jesus gesê het: “Ek staan by die deur en klop,” het Hy die lede van die Laodisea-kerk genooi om hul ellendige geestelike toestand te erken en Sy outentieke geskenk van verlossing te ontvang. Soos die apostel Paulus, moes die Laodicense hulle absolute afhanklikheid van Christus besef: “Wat meer is, ek beskou alles as verlies, om die uitnemendheid van die kennis van Christus Jesus, my Here, ter wille van wie ek alles verloor het. Ek beskou dit as drek om Christus as wins te verkry en in Hom gevind te word, nie met my geregtigheid wat uit die wet kom nie, maar met dié wat deur die geloof in Christus is, die geregtigheid wat van God is op grond van die geloof” (Filippense 3:8–9).
Aan diegene wat die deur sou oopmaak, het Jesus ‘n hegte gemeenskap belowe, uitgebeeld as om saam ‘n maaltyd te geniet. En Hy het hierdie groot beloning aangebied: “Aan hom wat oorwin, sal Ek gee om saam met My op my troon te sit, net soos Ek oorwin het en saam met my Vader op sy troon gaan sit het” (Openbaring 3:21). Hierdie woorde was Christus se verbintenis tot die Laodicense kerk.
Vandag sê Jesus steeds: “Ek staan by die deur en klop!” Aan kerke wat gevul is met nominale Christene, stuur Hy sy ernstige uitnodiging vir volle gemeenskap. Die Een wat die sleutels tot die koninkryk van die hemele hou (Matteus 16:19; Openbaring 1:18; 3:7) roep ons almal om Sy stem te hoor en die deur oop te maak sodat Hy kan inkom en ‘n intieme verbintenis met ons kan deel. Aan diegene wat reageer, waarborg Jesus Christus die oop deur van die ewige lewe en die beloning om saam met Hom in die hemel te regeer.
Volg in die Voetspore van Jesus na die Hemel deur op hierdie Skakel te klik.
The Collectors of Manna – Women of the Word // Gaarders van Manna – Vroue van die woord
Dilize Light has Managed a TruLight Ladies Group on Telegram for the Past 6 Years and from Today . she will be Sharing her Manna with the Ladies in The TruLight Daily Manna Platform . Dilize is the only Daughter of Pastor Dirk and has been part of the Ministry since the age of 11 . Dilize is also the Radio Host for the Popular TruLight Top 10 that airs on TruLight Radio XM saturdays at 17h00′
Dilize Light bestuur die afgelope 6 jaar ‘n TruLight Damesgroep op Telegram en van vandag af sal sy haar Manna met die Dames deel op die TruLight Daaglikse Manna-platform. Dilize is die enigste dogter van Pastoor Dirk en is deel van die bediening sedert die ouderdom van 11. Dilize is ook die radio-aanbieder vir die gewilde TruLight Top 10 wat Saterdae om 17:00 op TruLight Radio XM uitgesaai word.
Jou Laaste Dag:
Wat as jy vanoggend gehoor het dat vandag jou laaste dag op aarde sou wees ? Hoe sou jy sy vlugtige ure spandeer ? Wie sou jy daarop aandring om te sien ? Sal jou gedrag radikaal verskil van wat dit gewoonlik is ? Iemand het wyslik gesê “Jy moet elke dag behandel asof dit jou laaste een is, want een van die dae gaan jy reg wees” Daar is geen omweg nie. Of ons aardse lewe per ongeluk eindig, siekte, die verwoesting van die ouderdom, of ons Here se wederkoms, een van hierdie dae sal ons laaste wees. Daarom moet ons so versigtig waak oor die dinge wat ons doen en die woorde wat ons sê. Ons behoort die los punte van sake wat lank verwaarloos is op te probeer deur ons liefde en dankbaarheid teenoor ander uit te druk, deur versoening met ‘n vervreemde vriend te soek, of deur die evangelie met ‘n naaste te deel. Miskien het jy selfs die aanvaarding van Jesus Christus as jou Here en Verlosser uitgestel tot ‘n meer gerieflike dag. Maar daardie dag mag nooit kom nie. Aangesien jou laaste dag op aarde onverwags kan wees, let op Paulus se geïnspireerde woorde: Nou is die aanvaarde tyd; kyk, nou is die dag van verlossing (2 Korintiërs 6:2). Leef jy elke dag asof dit jou laaste is ?
Wat sou jy verander as hierdie dag jou laaste was ?
Your Last Day:
What if you heard this morning that today would be your last day on earth? How would you spend its fleeting hours? Who would you insist on seeing? Would your behavior be radically different from what it usually is? Someone wisely said, “You must treat each day as if it were your last, because one of these days you are going to be right.” There is no getting around it. Whether our earthly life ends by accident, illness, the ravages of old age, or the return of our Lord, one of these days will be our last. That is why we must be so careful about the things we do and the words we say. We should pick up the loose ends of matters that have long been neglected by expressing our love and gratitude to others, by seeking reconciliation with an estranged friend, or by sharing the gospel with a neighbor. Perhaps you have even put off accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior until a more convenient day. But that day may never come. Since your last day on earth may be unexpected, heed Paul’s inspired words: “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Do you live each day as if it were your last?
What would you change if this day were your last?
TruLight Ministries Daily Entertainment
TruLight TV – Secrets of THE FLOODED FOREST
How do you measure the amount of love you have for someone? The Bible says there is no greater expression of love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jesus demonstrated this kind of love. Watch today’s video and think of who you would lose your life for. and later a Nature Documentary in title (Secrets of the Flooded Forest) – After beginning in Vienna, the Danube riverbank forests extend to the gates of Bratislava, linking the two capitals like a green ribbon, forming a unique wildlife habitat in the heart of Europe. A few years ago a 36-kilometer section was turned into a national park that now protects the last undeveloped stretch of the Danube and also the last riparian zone of its size in Central Europe. In the forests along the Danube the water’s power can once again influence plant and animal habitats. And so an outstanding variety of habitats and species has been created: white-tailed eagles breed in the woods, mud minnows and pond turtles populate the old arms of the river, beavers build their dams on the banks. The Danube National Park: a hidden wilderness full of beauty and drama, and a refuge for an astounding variety of flora and fauna. The point of this Nature Documentary is based on the Bible Verse in Psalm 91;1 – The Heavens Declare the Glory of God; The Skies Proclaim the Work of His Hands. Enjoy today’s show and thanks for watching.
Today on TruLight Radio XM
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00:15 Words to Live By Testimonies
01.15 Science Scripture and Salvation
02.15 Ground Works
04.00 Gospel Concert of the Day
05.00 The Daren Streblow Comedy Show
5:55 It is Today devotional
6:00 Gaither Homecoming Morning Show
7:15 Discover the Word
8.15 Destined for Victory
8:55 Science Scripture and Salvation
9:00 Holy Spirit Hour – Normally Sermons
10:15 Hope of the Heart
11:15 Unshackled
11.45 Words to Live By
12:15 Truth for Life
13:15 Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram
14:15 Focus on the Family
15:00 Kids Hour
16:00 In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley
16:30 Groundwork
17:15 Live in the Light
18:15 Renewing your Mind
19:00 Gaither Homecoming Show
20:15 Growing Hope
21:15 Adventures in Odyssey Radio Drama
21:45 Bible Reading
22:15 Nightsounds
23.00 Good Old Country Gospel / Rhema Gospel Express
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TruLight Ministries opdrag vanaf God sedert 2012. Leer hulle, Troos hulle en Waarsku hulle!
PASTOOR DIRK – DIE GROOT VERDRUKKING
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