Category Archives: Jesus

The Prayer of Jesus –

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The night He was betrayed, Jesus prayed, in part, the following —

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (Jn 17:20-23, esv)

This was the opening text preached at the BANNER OF TRUTH MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE by Mark Johnston, Banner Trustee, Pastor at Proclamation Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. It was a fine reminder of one of our highest priorities: UNITY.

First note the WEIGHT of Jesus’ concern for our unity. He mentions “oneness” twice in short compass. This unity among believers here on earth somehow reflects the unity of our triune God in heaven above. It is not “uniformity” among believers [consider the ‘minimalist’ statement issued from the Apostles in Jerusalem for the early church in Acts 15], but it is real and must be visible. Second, consider the IMPACT of this unity. It goes far beyond our congregation or assemblies. The world is watching! Jesus mentions this twice. Indeed, the power of the gospel and the presence of grace in a united group of diverse folks is a tremendous witness to the world — as Jesus intended it to be. Third, we considered the MEANS of this unity. While more could have been said, the preacher reminded us that the church as an organism (not merely an organization) enlivened by the love of God our Father. Thus we must know God, and be loved by Him (which is what “known” here means in the biblical language). The mark of Christianity is love.

Brothers, do you realize that Jesus was praying this for us? Oh, may we strive for greater unity, in the strength of the Holy Spirit!

The Return of Jesus Christ!

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God’s Word, the Bible, clearly says that no man knows the time of the return of Jesus (verses below, linked to their ESV context). Thus it is folly, rebellion and sin to declare a date for the Second Coming of Jesus. I fear the shameful pronouncements of men who set dates will only serve to increase the skepticism of unbelievers, seduce (and later shame) those who are duped, and, discourage many Christians striving to spread the gospel of the Lord Jesus.

But TRUTH will prevail. It is not derailed by mischievous men. THE TRUTH: Jesus will return. The Bible clearly says (for all to read, without secret formulas), that the same Jesus who once walked this earth will return here, as King and Lord of all. And every knee will bow to Him.

But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only…. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. — Jesus, in Matthew 24:36, 44

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. — Acts 1:7

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. — 1 Thess. 4:16

…so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. — Hebrews 9:28

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. — Titus 2:11-14

While on this day, May 21st, I shake my head in sadness, my heart is steadfast in the truth. And I long for Jesus to return, end the folly and sin — and then make all things new! If you are a true Christian, one who loves Jesus and His Word, then you too must long for that day, though we know not its date.

~ pdb