Weekly Pastoral Message prepared by Rev. Murray Adamthwaite
for Sunday 11th May 1997

From the Pastor: Christ Ascended and Returning

As the disciples watched our Lord ascend two angels reminded them of the promise that He would return just as surely, and in the same way, as He had gone (Acts 1:11). Hence we should reflect on that promise as we consider his ascension, and as we do so two important points emerge: 1. The futility of date-setting. Just before He ascended he warned His disciples, "it is not for you to know times or epochs." (Acts 1:7). Yet how much of history is strewn with failed predictions! This Must be borne in mind as we approach the year 2000. Second coming speculation is warming up in similar vein as with the approach of 1000 A.D., when many believed Christ would return. But, "at a time you least expect, the Son of man comes." (Luke 12:40). 2. There will be two categories only when He returns. To disciples He promised, "I go to prepare a place" (John 14:2); but for all others, "no place was found for them." (Revelation 20:11). One group will have a prepared place, the other will have none but the Lake of Fire. Yet now as the ascended Lord He offers men and women a place, and invites them to come to Him. As an anticipation of that Heavenly place there is a place at His table for every repentant and believing sinner.