Reformation 2021

Jesus’ prediction of the end times rings true for those who know what he said and who are students of history. His warnings of what the apostles would face have found their fulfillment repeatedly throughout history and are still relevant today.

There would be those who seek to deceive us. A current scam that reaches us incessantly is that phone call from someone claiming to be from Medicare.

Medicare Scam Phone Calls That Seniors Should Avoid

While we choose to believe in the good in people, it’s always best to be cautious just in case. Seniors receiving Medicare are commonly targeted by scammers who are on the hunt to steal identities, money, or more. Medicare scam phone calls specifically ramp up during Medicare Open Enrollment, which takes place annually, October 15 – December 7. As we approach this important time, it is vital that you are aware of what Medicare scam phone calls are out there and what to do if you receive them, so that you can better protect yourself and your loved ones. How do Medicare phone scams work? Across the country, seniors may receive calls from scam operators who claim to represent Medicare or a different insurance provider. They usually claim that the senior’s Medicare card has expired, prompting the release of personal information like name, address, Medicare number, or Social Security number. From offers for free medical supplies and entitlement to refunds to attempts to verify your identity, all of these calls are examples of a scam you should run far away from.

Can you think of other times when someone is trying to deceive you?

But in Mark Jesus wasn’t warning against phone scams connected with Medicare. They neither had telephones or Medicare in his day. He is warning about religious deceivers. “Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.”

Classic examples of false teachers.

In the days of early Christianity were those who taught that Jesus had not come in the flesh.

Others taught that he was only a man and not the incarnate Son of God.

Others taught that he had been created by the Father and was not true God from all eternity.

Judaizers taught that faith in Jesus was not enough, you also had to continue to follow Jewish ceremonially laws especially the rite of circumcision.

Throughout history there have been aberration to the Word of God that have been taught. The most insidious in Christianity today may be the approach to the Bible that it is not really the inspired Word of God but a collection of documents created by religious men and therefore not to be relied on as absolute truth.

Anytime someone tries to get us to believer or do what is contrary to God’s Word. The Bible teaches us that God’s arch enemy, the devil, has a strong hand in these attempts.

Satan as a deceiver. 2 Corinthians 11:12–15 (NIV): 12 And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

We are deceived any time we are led to believer and/or do what God does not command us whether we are deceived by the devil, the world, or our own sinful flesh.

Comments on the text.

Jesus warns that there will be wars and rumors of wars but the existence of wars does not necessarily mean that the End is imminent. “But the end is still to come.”

Jesus continues with other signs of the end times: nations and kingdoms rising against each other. Earthquakes and famines. He describes these as birth pains.

This figure of speech is well known. A woman who is pregnant anticipates the day when she will give birth. She will often has an expected due date. But most likely does not know exactly what day that will be. It has been said that “The baby will come when the baby want so come.” I don’t know how true that is. It may be that the mother’s body will decide when it wants to deliver the child but keeps it secret from the mother herself. But not long before the birth, the body begins to prepare for the birth and this includes the labor pains. They become more frequent and more intense until the child is born. Jesus’ signs of the times are reminders that Judgment Day is coming but unlike with a child’s birth, we cannot predict with certainty when that will be. A student of history knows full well that at times the frequency of wars, earthquakes, and other signs of the times seemed to predict that the end was imminent. Many well meaning (and some deceptive) people have alerted others just how close the end was and called for specific actions that they claimed had to be done in a timely manner. And yet, centuries have passed since their dire predictions.

Since we don’t know when the end will come, Jesus teaches us to be ready at all times. “You must be on your guard.” This can be hard to do especially if the event is a long time in coming. Or if we aren’t quite sure what to expect.

A classic example of this took place on December 7th, 1941 in Hawaii. The second world war had been raging in Europe and Asia for several years but at the time, the United States was not at war. But our military bases were on alert and watching out for attacks. Word came to our bases in Hawaii about possible attacks on the ground against our aircraft. So the planes at some of the airfields were lined up in the open to be watched better. Patrols on the sea kept an eye out for enemy ships. But very few people envisioned an air strike from carrier based planes. But one way of being on guard was a new invention known as RADAR. A radar station did pick up a flight of aircraft headed for the bases. But it was assumed that the aircraft was a friendly squadron of B-17s and the warning was ignored.

Hopefully, we are more aware of the dangers that we face and how we can be on guard.

1 Peter 4:7–11 NIV

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 13:11–14 NIV

11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Jesus taught his disciples to be on guard because in their lifetime, they would face something that we may think is impossible for us because it hasn’t happened in our nation for centuries due to the freedom of religion and freedom of speech granted us by the Constitution. Since our nation was formed at a time when people were oppressed for their religious and political views, our founding fathers wanted to establish a nation where such views would be protected and even tolerated. We don’t really concern ourselves with being handed over to local councils and being flogged in the church because of our beliefs and practices.

This was not the case with the disciples. The book of Acts gives many examples of Christians being persecuted for their faith. There are also references to it in some of the epistles. The book of Revelation was written to give encouragement and hope during times of persecution.

The early Christians did indeed stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. They were arrested and were led by the Holy Spirit to testify to what they had seen and heard. (Find passage in which a disciple was filled with the Holy Spirit.)

Acts 4:5–12 NIV

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is “ ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Result? The gospel was preached to all nations.

As Lutherans on this Reformation Day, a good example of someone who stood up for what he believed is found in Martin Luther. He boldly proclaimed the Gospel even under the threat of excommunication and worse.

Diet of Worms

Luther appeared before the Diet of Worms on April 17, 1521. He was informed that he had been called to the meeting to acknowledge as his own the books that had been published in his name and to repudiate them. He briefly acknowledged the books but requested time to ponder his second answer, which was granted. The following day Luther admitted that he had used inappropriate language but declared that he could not and would not recant the substance of his writings. He refused to repudiate his works unless convinced of error by Scripture or by reason. Otherwise, he stated, his conscience was bound by the Word of God. According to a traditional but apocryphal account, he ended his statement with the words, “Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”

Application: Again, we may never be in such a dramatic situation, but we must realize the many opportunities we have to defend our faith and to testify who Jesus is and what he means for us. Whether it is defending the teachings of our church or sharing how we can be so confident even in the face of hardship, there are times when we will be asked to stand up for Jesus. It is good to remember what Jesus taught and to follow the encouragement of Peter (who admittedly struggle with this at times as we well know).

1 Peter 3:13–16 NIV

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.