Luke 21:5-9

Luke 21:5-9

1. Let us notice our Lord Jesus Christ's words about the temple at Jerusalem.
2. Let us notice our Lord Jesus Christ's solemn warning against deception.

"But let it never be forgotten that the material part of a Christian Church is by far the least important part of it. The fairest combinations of marble, and stone and wood, and painted glass, are worthless in God's sight, unless there is truth in the pulpit and grace in the congregation."

"Dogmatism, positiveness, controversial bitterness, obstinacy in maintaining untenable positions, rash assertions and speculations, have too often brought discredit on the whole subject of the prophetical Scriptures, and caused the enemies of Christianity to blaspheme. There are only too many books on prophetical interpretation, on the title-pages of which might be justly written, "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?""

Questions:

1. The Bible declares to us that while man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart, and Jesus applies this same standard to the temple and what is happening inside. Ryle applies this to our churches today as well. What God looks for is truth in the pulpit and grace in the congregation. Can that be said of the church we attend? Is that what we value?

2. Ryle gives two helpful warnings in regards to unfulfilled prophecy in the Scripture. On the one hand is lazy indifference due to the difficulties of it, on the other hand, is talking as confidently as if we were prophets ourselves. Which side of this do we fall on, and how can we grow in doing otherwise?