This Sunday (7/23): Matthew 13:24-30

"We MUST be in the end times!"
Me--We have been: for 2,000 years!

"But, things have gotten so much worse in the last decade!"
Me--I think Americans whose families were brought to the US as slaves thought it was much worse in the 1800's than it is today. The Jews in Europe kind of had a tough time in the 1940's under some guy named Hitler. Millions of Chinese were murdered by Japan during the same time period. Russia slaughtered millions of its own citizens. All of Europe and much of the East was a rough place to live during the hundreds of years they faced the plague, and their populations were decimated. That is just a handful of samples from times that were much worse than today. dress for prom occasion that with green as main color

The theology of the end times does not give us permission to throw up our hands and check out from the world. On the contrary, it is an encouragement to keep on.

In our lesson for Sunday, Jesus talks about the weeds and wheat being permitted to grow up together (Matthew 13:24-30). Why would God allow it? Why won't God come again and spare us from these nasty weeds?

Because God is gracious and kind, that is why. The weeds will not threaten and choke us: God won't allow it. God allows the two to grow together so that ALL the wheat can grow and ripen to fruition.

2,000 years ago, God could have chosen to end the world, but did not. Do you want to know why? Because God saw that 2,000 years in the future you would be born. God said, "I want you in my kingdom, because you are awesome."

Right now, I am convinced that God is looking another 2,000 years down the road and saying, "Wow! There are some terrific people yet to be born. I can't wait for them to have the opportunity to live as well."

Therefore, the message of the end times is a message of encouragement. We have all of the nourishment and advantages necessary to produce fruit and bless the world regardless of how difficult things may seem. The theology of the end times is not about the Christian fantasy of escapism, but a call to be engaged so that the world might be blessed and so that a new generation of amazing people might be gifted with life and opportunity.

Do you want to hear more? Join us this Sunday at our 9:30 AM or 11:30 AM service, or stream our service any time at your convenience at www.HolyTrinityEastPgh.com