CHURCH: Celebrating historic birthday

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Christ's Church is celebrating its 1977th

birthday. This may seem a long time to wait for the fulfillment of a

promise. The Church must remain vigilant as it discerns the signs

signaling Jesus' return.

When is Jesus going to restore the kingdom to Israel?  His response in

Acts 1:7 was perplexing for the Disciples who hoped for an end to Roman

oppression. As they muddled together watching Him depart with a cloud

eventually concealing His ascent.  Acts 1:10,11 records:  ...suddenly two

men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said,

"why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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."

Institutional churches impatiently interpreted this passage, resulting in

numerous errant doctrines that fail to grasp the Truth contained within

the promise: Jesus will return, as He departed, for His Church.

There are signs occurring today that pique a True Believer's interests.

Beyond the mounting chaos and apostasy is a clock ticking away a

generation's time.  Mt. 24:34 intimates that the generation witnessing the rebirth of Israel will realize the fulfillment of His promise to establish His Kingdom.  The length of a generation can be 40 procreative years,

Solomon's 60 or 70 years, or the maximum of 120.  What is important is to keep our eyes upon Jerusalem while looking up!

DENNIS HINRICHSEN

Coeur d'Alene