The Fig Tree

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The Fig Tree

32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.

Matthew 24:32

I have a feeling Jesus really liked figs because he speaks about them a lot. Several times fig trees appear in his parables or actions. In my case it probably would have been a lot of parables about mango trees.

It’s amazing how Jesus can take such a common idea or truth and turn it into a great lesson. Anyone that knew about planting or crops would understand Jesus’ words here. When you see that the tree is ready to bear fruit, the fruit comes. Farmers aren’t surprised every year when their crops come in just as you’re not surprised when the lights turn on every time you flip the light switch. These should be obvious things to us. The Second Coming should be just as obvious.

We have spent several weeks now in Matthew 24. Ask yourself this question: is there anything that Matthew 24 mentions that hasn’t happened yet? Is there a long list of things that still need to come true? No. Most are all around us right now. Just as we shouldn’t be surprised by the light turning on, we shouldn’t be surprised that Jesus is just around the corner.

33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that [e]it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.

Matthew 24:33-34

We can be this generation. We can see all that is happening around us and so we have to be prepared that truly we can be this generation.

Is Jesus knocking on the door? Is he holding his bags to move on in? Based on his own words that seems to be the case. Are you ready for it?

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Angels in the Sky

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Angels in the Sky

31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Matthew 24:31

Do you remember what you were doing on September 11? I do. I was still at CUC, Burman University now, and I walked into the cantina and saw the repeating images of one of the twin towers coming down. I’ll be honest. After so many years of watching films and TV, at first I didn’t believe it. I thought it was just special effects or a new film. When it finally hit me that it was the real building coming down, my heart sunk.

I get the same feeling when I read v.31. It’s hard for me as a human being to truly imagine seeing angels flying in the sky. I can’t help but think that I would first think that it was some sort of light show or hologram. After a whole lifetime without seeing supernatural things, how would we react? And then add the idea that Satan will be impersonating and making his own miracles, and you can understand why so many might be confused or skeptical.

But it will happen! One day, there will be true to life angels in the sky and right in the middle will be God himself. One day it won’t be a film, trick or lie but the real Second Coming.

This is why we are Christian. This is why we read our bibles, pray, sing hymns and go to church. Life is more than what is here on this earth. Life is more than what we can see, hear, smell, or touch. There is a whole spiritual world out there that we have, for now, been blind to.

9 But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

Let this image and idea fill your days. Know that all we go through is worth it in Christ. Things might be dark and dim now but there is a place where there is no night and it’s been promised to you.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Cosmic Signs

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Cosmic Signs

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Matthew 24:29

Any Adventist who has gone through an end time series would know about the dates of May 04, 1780 when the sun became dark and the moon became red like blood. They’ll also know 1833 when there was a spectacular meteor shower which has been interpreted as the stars falling. In more recent times, as with all things, some wonder if those were the exact events as mentioned here in Matthew 24. The main reason of course is that the sun and moon event are now over 240 years in the past. In 1844, when the first movements of what would be the Adventist church began, those dates and events were all around the same time and you could imagine the excitement and faith they would create. Today, and every year that passes, it diminishes in excitement as something way back in history.

One of the main points against is that these events come ‘Immediately after the tribulation of those days’. Although there were tribulations, this specific tribulation appears to be the one mentioned as being worse than anything in the past or future. Very few would say that the problems during that time could be categorized as that. Then of course the next verse is also used.

30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Matthew 24:30

This verse gives the impression that all these events: the tribulation, cosmic signs and second coming are all one after another. There is no hint of a 240 year pause full of other events between such as a two world wars, fall of communism, pandemics, worldwide terrorism to name a few.

Arguments can be made on both sides of the debate. I would instead like to focus on the general theme of verse 29. It is often called ‘cosmic signs’ by theologians as it focusses on the fact that the natural world seems to be warning humanity of Jesus’ soon coming. It makes sense that the verse would focus on the sun, moon and stars as they are the biggest cosmic forces. Perhaps though they are just some examples of all ‘cosmic forces’ that will be used as signs.

We know the Bible often speaks about floods, fires, earthquakes and other disasters. All of those and more have constantly been increasing in number and strength. Perhaps, instead of just looking into the past for events, we should look at what is currently happening all around us.

Could the world be telling us that Jesus is at the door?

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

False Christs

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False Christs

23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.

Matthew 24:23-25

Could we really be deceived? Jesus says that the miracles and signs that will be done in the final days by false christs will be so wondrous that even the elect could possibly be deceived. That is an amazing thing to think of.

Would you consider yourself to be elect? When I think of the word elect I picture someone like Peter, John or Paul. I don’t think of the average Christian as myself. If the elect could be deceived, how much more us? These questions should really question your foundation of faith and knowledge.

What would it take for you to believe in a false Christ? We know that Jesus will not touch the ground when he returns. We know that when he appears in the sky, it is the end. He will not live among us doing miracles as in the first time he came. So how could we, bible believing and knowing people believe a false Christ? Perhaps we will be in such need that we will be desperate for a solution. Perhaps a family member will be sick or dying and then miraculously healed. Perhaps some of us will be starving and miraculous food will be created. Perhaps a false Christ will save you from a disaster or accident. What would it take to question whether a false Christ could possibly be real?

26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

Matthew 24:26-28

The bible gives us many texts like this to make it clear that human walking people claiming to be Christ will be liars. We need to know and truly believe texts like these and search out the others to secure ourselves. What a disappointment it would be to go so far in your walk with Christ to then fall at the very end to a false Christ.

Impossible? Not at all. Just look at the many stories in the bible of gods elect children being led astray by false gods, people and ideas. Solomon wisely tells us that there is nothing new under the sun. We have a tendency of repeating past mistakes. May we use our time now wisely to prepare ourselves, our minds and our futures.

If the very elect could possibly be deceived, what does that mean for us? We must be elect and better still to make sure our future is solid with the true Christ.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Great Tribulation and Hope

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Great Tribulation and Hope

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Matthew 24:21

The great tribulation. We can look around at all that is happening in the world and then think that it can get worse, much worse, it can be disheartening. There is so much pain and suffering already, do we really need more? Unfortunately, as bad as the world is, it is still being protected by God. The day God finally steps away and let’s Satan have his way is not something anyone should look forward too- outside of the knowledge that at least the end has truly come.

It might not feel like it, but God is protecting us. He is still holding back the winds of strife and stopping Satan from truly completing his desires. There are many things we can’t explain. We don’t know why innocent little babies suffer or are abused. We don’t know why the helpless are allowed to suffer. We don’t know why good Christians get horrible sicknesses. But, even with all that, we must believe that God is still in ultimate control and doing what is best for us.

22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the [c]elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

Matthew 24:22

Its verses like this that we have to hold onto. God is in control. God has a plan. God will not allow more than we can handle in this world.

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

If you ever find yourself in trouble, remember this verse. This is where faith and reality collide and we need to have faith to move forward.

God is with you. God has your best in mind. Trust in him.

 

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Sabbath Flight

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Sabbath Flight

20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.

Matthew 24:20

As time passes and the Second Coming fails to arrive, several groups are formed. There are those who believe that the church has strayed from the original early church teachings, claim that we are currently Babylon, and push towards a return to the way things were before.

At the same time, as the Second Coming fails to arrive, there is another group who believes that we are lost in the past, holding onto outdated beliefs and who push towards a modernization of church beliefs and laws.

Both push in opposite directions and cause a rift within the church. Those left in the middle, either because they simply follow what they are being told or because they disagree with both groups, end up trying to keep everything together.

Although it may seem as if things are getting worse, in fact there is nothing new, as Solomon repeats several times in Ecclesiastes. There is nothing new under the sun.

What does all this have to do with Matthew 24:20? The verse shows that while arguments and debates rage on within the pews, the world keeps spinning and God’s plan continues on as God deems fit. We like to think that by being in the church, we will somehow avoid the problems or pitfalls of the last days but this verse shows the exact opposite.

There will be many within the church, true Christians who worship and love God but who spend more time in politics and debates than in preparation of their own lives and futures. Many will be caught in shock as events unfold quickly around them and will have to suffer needlessly as someone who tries to fly in the middle of the winter or by not having Sabbath peace because they’re rushing off in haste.

God gave us all brains, some better than others granted, but still all working enough to make our decisions for what is best. Some will be dead on and find relative peace in the middle of the storm while others will be left being tossed to and fro and left naked and bruised but thankfully still saved.

We all want to save the world but remember that the world is already doomed to be lost. We all want to save the church but remember, the church is not under our protection but God’s and He’s much better at protecting it anyway.

Let’s do what we’re actually supposed to to.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Be Ready

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Be Ready

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Matthew 24:14

It’s not just Adventists it seems who read the book of Daniel. Jesus seems to have known the book as well. He gives the disciples, and us in turn, a warning found in that book. When you see the ‘abomination of desolation’ standing in the holy place, it’s time to run.

Prophecy and looking ahead is something Jesus believed in. Several times in the gospels he predicts future events and compares them to natural events like the weather. That is because God made a promise to us:

7 Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.

Amos 3:7

God loves us and doesn’t want us to be caught unawares. He has laid out the future of our world in his Bible so that we can prepare and be ready. Although details might be scarce sometimes and we’d like to know more, God gives us enough to be ready.

17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.

Matthew 24:17-18

Here we see a warning about being ready. It’s not that we can stop it or change it. That’s not why Jesus gives us glimpses of the future. He shows us things so that we can prepare.

If you know things are coming soon, you won’t have to go back and rush try and get things done. A person who prepares doesn’t need to go back but can confidently move forward.

19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!

Matthew 24:19

Many people take this as a message to not have kids. That is not the point. What is being said here is, if you see the ‘abomination of desolation’ and know the end is very close and that it’s time to run, it’s not a good idea to ignore it and try and live as nothing is changing. That too is part or being prepared.

Are we preparing ourselves? Are we ready for the Second Coming of Jesus?

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

To The World

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To The World

14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Matthew 24:14

This is the most important verse in Matthew 24. Even with all the other prophetic signs and events, this is the only verse that truly tells us what needs to happen before Jesus comes back.

Many people, being in the church for so many years and witnessing so many things, feel as if God is delaying his coming. It has been two thousand years since Matthew was written. The world has gone through two world wars. The Berlin wall fell. Y2K passed by without much hassle. There have been wars, disasters and of course pandemics but Jesus has still not returned.

Some think the problem is the church or more importantly the message. People think that if we only preached the right messages or put more emphasis on certain points that God would come. Some think we have to refine our diets better or change our music. Some think we have to go backwards to the old ways while others think we have to go forward and be progressive.

That, by and large, is nonsense. The problem is neither the church, nor the message, the diet or the focus. The problem is that verse 14 still hasn’t been accomplished. We keep looking down at ourselves instead of looking at those who still need to learn and hear about Christ. There are still millions of people who need to learn about God in a serious and loving way. People still need to make a choice for or against God.

If we spent half the time and effort in our judging, condemning and fighting within churches to actually go out and share the truth with the world, God would already be in the sky.

The truth must be preached to all nations and people. We seem satisfied preaching to the same people who already know and have the Bible. It’s not that this work is not important. Yes, there are many Christians out there who still need to hear the unique message that we have. The problem is that we have made that our primary and sole work.

In many cases, the people that we’re supposed to be reaching are the same ones we put down, cast out and condemn. How is the work going to be finished with this kind of attitude?

The job has been simply shown to us. We just need to get it done.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Birth Of Christ

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Birth Of Christ

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:4-7

We don’t know the day that this event happened, the day that Jesus was born, but we do know that it did happen. There was a day when the Son of God, perfect and holy, gave up the perfection of heaven and came down to this sinful planet. He left light and came into darkness. The actual day becomes less important as the event itself. I know there are many who refuse to celebrate, focussing on all the pagan backgrounds of many traditions and also how Christmas is constantly pushing away from Christ and towards Santa. That is understandable when you look at how commercial and artificial many of the parts of Christmas has become.

But I hope that doesn’t prevent you from taking time at some point in the year to focus on this beautiful gift from God. Just like the cross, so much can be learned from the nativity story. Most of all is the character and love of God towards us.

I will be keeping this blog much shorter than usual as I know that many will be busy joining with family but I just hope that you all can take some time to think and meditate on the wonderful love of God.

Peace and joy to you all.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto

Offended and Betrayed

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Offended and Betrayed

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.

Matthew 24:6

In verse 9 we see a double prophecy at work. When Christianity was first born, they were hated by both the Jews, as blasphemers, and Romans as troublemakers. Both groups brought Christians before the courts as seen several times in the book of Acts.

The same will be true as we reach the end of world’s story. In truth, Christians and believers have been brought before courts throughout its history. It will be intensified however towards the end, in the same way natural disasters have always been but have steadily grown in these last years.

10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

Matthew 24:10-11

Verses 10 and 11 show just how bad things will get. People will be betrayed which means that before these same people were those who were trusted. It won’t be strangers or people outside of your circle of trust that will betray you but your very friends and family. This will be a very painful time for God’s people. They will have to choose God over their loved ones who failed to create a real relationship with Jesus.

People will begin following the words and teachings of false prophets and teachers. The Bible will be put away as obsolete and outdated. People will follow the teachings that please their own beliefs. That is why our own personal study of the Bible is so important. With prayer and the Holy Spirit, we all can learn and know the will of God in our lives.

12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

Matthew 24:12-13

Love will slowly become cold. It’s important to realise that this love is godly love and not the false, fleeting love that the world offers. People will claim that the world is joining in love but it’s important to know which love they are speaking of.

The key word at the end here is ‘endures’. This word makes it very clear that it will not be an easy time for God’s people. They will have to endure and struggle during these times. May we all set our minds and lives for this coming trouble.

God bless,

Pr. Steven Couto