August 6, 2016 - Church at Worship

Sermon: “Eschatological Caffeine”  - by Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Aho Family

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:1-3, 36, 42, 44 read by Tyler Stewart and Stew Harty

Sermon Notes: I’m so delighted that you’ve chosen to join us for Camp Meeting 2016 at Loma Linda University Church! While I look forward to camp meeting every year, this year the anticipation is heightened. You see, this year our focus is on living in readiness for the return of Christ. The sermon series title—across all three services—is EverReady: A Survival Guide for End-Time Living. In addition, Pastor Miguel will be presenting a Friday-night series from the book of Revelation titled Casebook or Codebook.

Our world is in as grim a condition as I can remember in my lifetime. Thoughtful people are wondering whether there is a way out of the current situation. Polarization—outside and inside the church—terrorism, economic collapse in countries around the world, racial divides as deep as any time in recent memory, and the list could go on. Where do we turn? What do we do? When will God act?

Jesus blessed the peacemakers and, in so doing, underlined the need for his followers to work for peace. As His disciples, we must commit ourselves to doing so in any way possible. At the same time, we keep an eye on the eastern horizon, longing to see the face of Jesus

So how do we live in readiness for his appearing? This camp meeting, we return to Matthew 24 and 25—the most extensive words Jesus ever spoke about his coming. Sixteen years ago, we studied these two chapters together. In consultation with my staff colleagues, we agreed that it is time to return to these two chapters and listen again to Jesus for an answer to our questions about his coming and preparation for it. Years ago, a study of these chapters revolutionized my thinking on how to wait for the coming of Christ. Studying them anew has opened fresh insights—along with reminders of some old ones—which I am eager to share!

Don’t miss a single week! We’re expecting God’s Spirit to bless us in rich ways!

Randy Roberts,

Senior Pastor