Judgment Day May 21st

Earlier today one of my students facebooked me and asked this question:

Hey Pastor Adam do you believe what some christians are saying about the bible and how it say that only the true believers know the time jesus is coming to take us back and do you think may 21 is that time?

My Answer:

No, I do not believe that only the true believers know the time Jesus is coming to take us back. Matthew 24:36 says “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Only God knows when He is going to return to take all of us with him. Head over to http://adammclane.com/2011/05/15/billboards-false-prophets/ This pastor has a good article about your question.

I do want you to know that the whole "judgement day May 21, 2010" thing is nothing more than a pastor trying to sell his book and scare people into heaven. HE IS OUT OF LINE AND OUT OF GODS WILL IN SAYING AND DOING WHAT HE IS DOING. In fact, if you go to his website he also says that the only way to get to have a secured spot in heaven is to buy his book and pay him money. Sadly, this pastor is doing the work of the devil and trying to scare people so that he gets richer.

These kind of things happen about 2 times each decade. Look at the past 10 years: At midnight on December 31 2000 the world was suppose to end; again in 2006 when the Ancient Chines Calendar ended the world was suppose to end as well; Now May 21, 2010 is suppose to be judgement day; and 2012 the world is suppose to end because the ancient mayan calendar ends. All these things are just rumors and scare tactics.

Just remember what Matthew 24:36 says. No one knows the day or the time that Jesus is going to return. All we know in reference to Jesus return is that it will happen someday and when he does, He will come like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Therefore, nobody that has ever lived on earth, not even the angels in heaven, or satan or his demons in hell would ever know the correct time and date of Jesus return.

The important thing to take away from this is that you need to be secure enough in your own relationship with Jesus that you know Jesus as your personal Lord God and Savior because it could happen any day.

Good defence is a good strategy

Image from www.thebricktestament.com

This morning while checking my facebook, one of my former students (from my second youth position at Guthrie's First United Methodist Church) messaged me and asked me a very good question.

He asked me "What does Jesus mean in Luke 22:36 when he tells his disciples to buy swords and then he tells them '2 will be enough'?"

This verse through me for a loop at first. I don't think I've ever payed attention to it before. If you read through the Book of Luke, and look at it in the correct context the answer is there.

I think J. Vernon McGee gives the best explanation about it in his "Thru The Bible Commentary Series on Luke"

Here is what Dr. McGee said on Luke 22:36:

"You had better pack your suitcase and get your traveler's checks if you are going out for the Lord today and give out the gospel. You had better be prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones. We are living in difficult days. The Lord said, 'He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.' Why? For self protection, of course. They were living in days that required a sword. We need to recognize that fact also. IF we do not resist evil today, all kinds of evil will befall us. We could end up in the hospital or have some of our loved ones slain"

John Wesley commented about this verse too. He said "It is plain, this is not to be taken literally. It only means, This will be a time of extreme danger."

I personally think that Jesus was telling those with him to be prepared to defend yourselves and your families. In those times everyone had a sword, and if someone decided to come after you with a sword and you didn't have one then your pretty much a goner.  Jesus didn't say to use the swords to harm or attack others, but at the same time he knew that the disciples and his followers would be in danger and that they needed to be able to defend themselves.

Now the question is: "But, didn't Jesus tell us to turn the other cheek?"

Yes, Jesus said to turn the other cheek in Matthew 5:39 and Luke 6:29. But he was talking in a different context than what he was in Luke 22:36. Jesus is saying here not to retaliate. Sometimes, when we are doing what Jesus has asked us to do, people are going to get mad at us. I've even seen evangelists get punched in the face for saying Jesus Loves You.

Jesus is talking about showing those people love and kindness. When someone has wronged us, we shouldn't react in a hateful or angry way, but in a way that demonstrates Jesus character and values. The actions we make when someone is mean to us should cause them to consider what Jesus is like so that our example might lead them to accept Jesus as their Lord God and Savior.

I know people that take both of these verses to the extreme. One of my professors in college said that if he walked in on his wife being raped he would allow it to happen, and when the attack was over he would simply set down with the guy and talk with him to lead him to Jesus. On the other hand, I know a guy that thinks that you should kill anybody that even looks at your house from the side walk. Both men are Christians, and both of them take these two verses to the point of being extremists. Which is a bad thing.

Jesus said to turn the other cheek, but didn't say what to do if the person kept attacking. I think that is where Luke 22:36 comes in. If someone hits you once and then its over then don't react. If someone comes breaks into your house while your there or someone is attacking you, by all means defend yourself and your family! The hard part is, you have to defend yourself and your family in a way that will show Jesus to the person attacking you. It may mean that you grab a baseball bat and scare the person. At the same time it may mean knocking the person out, then taking them to the hospital, and once they wake up tell them you forgive them and tell them about Jesus. The thing we have to remember is to not act out of hatred or vengeance, but to act out of love for your family first then to the attacker.

I hope that this helps my former student out, and that others may learn something from it also.

What an awesome question! Thank you so much for asking!

If you have any comments, questions, or want to play devils advocate about this topic, please feel free to do so.


If you have any questions like this one, please feel free to ask! I love trying to answer them.

Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar

Acts 3:1-10
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.  Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.  When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.  Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!”  So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”  Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.  He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.  When all the people saw him walking and praising God,  they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

As I read these verses this morning, all I could think about is how simple this amazing healing was. Peter and John didn't pray, they didn't look to heaven, and they didn't get on their knees. All they did was get the crippled man's attention, told him to get up and walk in Jesus Christ's name, and then helped him up. The man was instantly healed! He was able to walk for the first time in his life, and he praised God.

I think the key to this passage of scripture is found in verse 6, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you." Peter and John wanted to help this man. They had compassion for him, and at the same time they knew he needed Jesus in a real way. I think that even if Peter and John had money they would have given it to the crippled man, and they still would have gone above and beyond to heal the man.

Not only did they heal the crippled man, but they also took him to the temple. I think they did this to provide proof that the man truly was healed. Peter and John didn't need to prove it to themselves but to other people. The people there in the temple court recognized the man, and were astonished that he was walking, jumping, and praising God.

This brings 2 questions in mind. First, what are we doing to show compassion to others? Second, how are we showing Jesus in a real way to the people around us?

Lets look at the first question, "What are we doing to show compassion to others?" Peter and John had nothing of material value to give. All they could give was the Gospel. With us on the other hand, we can all spare a few bucks every once and a while, and we always can share the Gospel of Jesus. Colossians 3:12 says, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."

How can we show compassion to others? Compassion by definition is sympathy and compassion for the sufferings and misfortunes of others. There are tones of people out there that are suffering or have been unfortunate in life. Sometimes they just need a hand up, just like what Peter did in helping the crippled man to his feet. Think about it for a min, what can you do to help other people in times of suffering and misfortune? I think that just loving on them, and being for them shows compassion. What about if you knew a kid who's parents didn't have the money to get them school supplies or new shoes. You could very easily give them a few pens and pencil's, and an old note pad. What about the beggars on the side of the street? This is the difficult one here cause you don't know if they will use the money to feed themselves, or to go out and buy alcohol or drugs. But what you could do is give them some food or clothes. If we are Holy Spirit filled believers, we can also do just what Peter did and heal those who need physical healing through the name of Jesus Christ (It is Jesus that heals through us, not us doing the healing). There are tones of other ways to show compassion. Just thank about it for a while and you can come up with your own ways.

Now for the second question, "How are we showing Jesus in a real way to the people around us?  The problem here is that most the time we don't. Most people say that it is the pastor's, evangelist's, and missionaries job to do. However, the reality is that tells us in 2 Timothy4:5 that we all need to do the work of an evangelist. Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” That wasn't just a command for the disciples. It was meant for all people who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord God and Savior.  This is something that must be done until Jesus comes back because not every one has heard the gospel yet.

Pulis, said in his Youth 101 class at Central Bible College, relationships that use to take 3 to 6 months to build with teens can take up to 3 or more years to do now. Even though that statistic is about teenagers, its the same for young adults too. The important thing is that we build relationships with people in a way where we can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them through the way we live, and through our words. So how do we build relationships? It's simple, hang out with them. Think about it, how did you build relationships with your friends, coworkers, and even your spouse? By hanging out with them. Some of the ways that I do this is by playing video games, go to sporting events, and talk about art and computers with my students. I do it in an authentic way, because those are the things that I enjoy and it opens up a way for me to talk and get to know my students.


By showing compassion and building authentic relationships, people will look at you with wonder and amazement. In doing those two things, you will help people and will spread the gospel. And, by showing compassion and building authentic relationships you will achieve things that you never would have dreamed of.


Go out and show people compassion, build relationships, and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

“The Greatest Story Ever Told”
Matthew 1:18-2:23 & Luke 1:26-2:40
Compiled and Paraphrased by Adam Weatherly

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To tell The Greatest Story Ever Told, we have to go back in time 2009 years to year 1 AD. This story starts around the Arabian Desert. That is where there were some Magi studying the stars. The Magi were know to be wise men, priests, and astrologers who were experts in interpreting dreams and other “magic arts.” One night while studying the stars, they notices something different. They found a new star in the sky. Because of the new star, they knew that something special had happened. They knew the King of all Kings had been born, and they needed to go worship him. So that night the Magi set out to follow after the star.

Around the time the Magi first saw the star, God sent Gabriel, the angel, to a town in Galilee named Nazareth. God sent him to speak to a girl named Mary. Mary was a young woman probably around 13 to 17 years old. She was a virgin, and was engaged to a carpenter named Joseph, who was a descendant of King David.

When Gabriel went to Mary he said “Hi Mary! You are the one chosen women, and the Lord is with you!”

This shook Mary up a little, and she didn’t know what to think about what Gabriel had said.
Then Gabriel spoke to her again, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. God has chosen you to be blessed. You will become pregnant and will give birth to a baby boy, and you will name him Jesus. The boy will be very great, and will be called the Son of God. God will give him the throne of King David, he will rule over Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end.

Mary heard what Gabriel said, was still kinda shaken up, and now was probably a little concerned about getting pregnant without ever sleeping with a man. So Mary asks the Angel, Gabriel, “How exactly is this going to happen? I’m still a virgin, and plan on staying that way until I get married to my Fiance Joseph.”

Gabriel answered Mary, “The Holy Spirit will come on you and the power of God the Most High, will overshadow you. Because of this the baby will be called the Son of God. You see Mary, nothing is impossible with God.

Then Mary said, “Yea, I think I understand, I see it all now: I’m the Lords servant, and am ready to serve. Let it happen just like you say it will.”

Before Mary and Joseph got married, Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant. He didn’t know that the baby came from the Holy Spirit, so he decided to divorce her. But, because of Joseph’s upright and moral character, he decided to take care of the situation quietly so that Mary wouldn’t be disgraced.

One night, Joseph was up really late and troubled about what was going on. While trying to figure out how to deal with Mary and the Pregnancy, he fell asleep. Then he had a dream where the Angel of the Lord appeared to him. “Joseph son of David,” the angel said “Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife! The child she is going to have has come from the Holy Spirit. The baby will be a boy and you should name him Immanuel – which means, ‘God is with us.’ This baby will save his people from their sin. This will happen to fulfill God’s message through his prophets – watch for this sign – A virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Immanuel.”

When Joseph woke up, he did exactly what the angel told him to do in his dream. He married Mary, but did not sleep with her until she had the baby.

About the same time Joseph had the dream, Caesar Augusts (the Roman Emperor), said there was going to be a census taken. Every man was required to take his family and return to their home town. Because Joseph was a member of King David’s royal line, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea. So Joseph took Mary and traveled 6.5 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

When they arrived in Bethlehem it was time for Mary to give birth, but there was no room at the Inn. So they found a near by cave, that was being used as a stable for animals. It was there, in that dark and dirty cave, that Mary gave birth to her first, a baby boy. Mary wrapped the baby snugly in a blanket, and laid him in an empty feeding trough (manger).

That night there were some Shepherds camping right outside of Bethlehem, guarding their sheep. Out of nowhere and angel appeared to them and God’s glory shined around them lighting up the are around them. The Shepherds were terrified.

“Don’t be afraid,” the Angel told them. “I’m here to bring good news that is meant for everyone all over the world: the  Messiah had just been born in Bethlehem. He is the Savior and Master of the world. God look for the baby, he is wrapped in a blanked and lying in an empty feeding trough.”

Then they were joined by a choir of Angels who were singing praises to God. They sang out “Glory to God in the heavenly heights. Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.”

After the Angels went back to heaven, the Shepherds talked about what just happened. They decided to go into town as fast as they could so they could worship the Messiah. So they ran as fast and as hard as they could to get to town, and when they found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby laying in the feeding trough they worship him. When they saw the baby they believed, and told everyone they met about what the angels said about the child. And, Everyone who heard what the Shepherds said were impressed. Then the Shepherds returned to their camp and praised God for everything they had heard and seen.

Eight days later, the baby was taken to the Temple where he was circumcised, and was given the name Jesus. That day Jesus was dedicated to God to follow the law of Moses and 2 doves were sacrificed as an offering to God.

While they were still in the temple a good old man who was filled with the Holy Spirit, named Simon, came in. Simon constantly prayed that help would come to Israel. Earlier that day the Holy Spirit showed him that he would see the Messiah before he died, and led him to the temple. When Simon saw baby Jesus, he took him in his arms and blessed God, them blessed Mary and Joseph, and said to Mary:

    “This child marks the failure and recovery of Israel. Many will misunderstand him and will reject him, But he will be the greatest Joy to many others.”

When Simon said that, an old woman, who was a prophetess named Anna, came into the temple. When she saw the baby, she began thanking God and telling everyone in Jerusalem that the Messiah had finally arrived.

During the time that was going on, the Magi, from the far east, who set out to follow the star arrived in Jerusalem. The started asking people in Jerusalem “Where is the new born King of the Jews?” They said to people there “We saw his star from the far-off eastern lands and have come to worship him.”

By the time word got around to King Herod, there were already rumors going around about this in Jerusalem. Herod became really mad about the rumors, and the thought that another King had come to take over. So Herod called a meeting with the Jewish priests. He asked them “Did the prophets tell us where the Messiah would be born?”

“Yes,” they said. “The prophet Micah wrote that he would be born in the little town of Bethlehem.”

Then Herod called a secret meeting with the Magi from the east. Herod pretended to be a devout believer, and got the Magi to tell him everything they knew about the star and the new born king. The he told them about the prophecy from Micah, and sent them to Bethlehem. Right before the Magi left, Herod told them “Go find the child, and then report back to me as soon as you find him. When you do I’ll come and worship him with you.”

As the Magi set out towards Bethlehem, the star appeared again. It lead them straight to the house in Bethlehem where Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus were staying. When they entered the house they threw themselves to the ground in front of Jesus to worship him. Then they opened their presents for the new born king and gave him gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
After the Magi left the house, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a second dream. The Angel said to Joseph “Flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, and stay there until I come back to you. Do this because King Herod wants to kill the child.” That same night Joseph took Mary and Jesus to set out to Egypt.

When King Herod heard that the Magi disobeyed him, he was furious. So, he sent his soldiers out to kill all the baby boys who were 2 years old and younger. This brutal action happened to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah: “People will cry out in Israel, weeping for their children, because they were killed.”

After sometime had gone by, King Herod died. Then the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph a third time through a dream. The Angel said “Joseph, get up. Take the baby and his mother, and return to Israel, because the one who wanted to kill the child is dead.” So Joseph took Mary and Jesus and returned to Israel to their home in Galilee in the town of Nazareth. It is there where Jesus grew up, to become a strong, robust boy, and was known for wisdom beyond his years; and God poured out his blessing on him.