This Sunday we have the privilege to receive God's word from Pastor Ron Bouthillette. Pastor Ron served for many years as Lead Pastor of The Bridge Community Church in Milford, New Hampshire. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and former member of Ruggles from back in the 1970s!
In Matthew 24 and 25 so far, we've learned the importance of being ready for Christ's second coming. But as we conclude our Advent series in Jesus' Olivet Discourse this Sunday, we see a picture of the Lord's return and his final judgment. What is the basis for this judgment—the difference between eternal punishment and eternal life? The answer might surprise you.
We continue this week in our Advent sermon series in Jesus' Olivet Discourse. It's all about being prepared for his second advent--Christ's glorious second coming. This week, Jesus teaches us not to wait passively for his return but to be found faithful with the treasure he has given us. How can we be sure that we are found to be "good and faithful servants"--using the treasurer of the gospel and our spiritual gifts wisely as we await his return?
Part 3 of the Gospel of Matthew is heavily combative, particularly between Jesus and the Pharisees, but there is a break in the action in Sunday's passage. It shows us ultimately that Jesus' ministry isn't primarily a boxing match. It's a servant ministry, a quiet ministry, a ministry to bruised reeds and smoldering wicks. And this, of course, has massive implications for our own church's ministry, too.
