Signs of the Times
December 1, 2024
Mark 13:24-37
Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know
when the master of the house will come.
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Our lives are filled with signs - things that indicate the present and foretell the future. While not obvious in Florida, leaves turning yellow, orange, and red indicate the season of Fall and the coming of Winter. Jesus used an example familiar to people in Israel when he spoke of the shoots of a fig tree becoming tender and putting forth leaves as a sign of the coming of Summer.
In this passage, Jesus speaks about watching—watching for signs—signs that reveal what is about to happen. Signs that when you see the first, you know the second is close behind.
This is the purpose of signs - knowing what is ahead so we can be prepared for when it arrives.
Jesus' words to, "Keep alert!" and to "Stay awake!" are a message for the present, not the future.
"Keep alert" for you do not know when the time will come.
"Keep awake"- for you do not know when the master of the house will return.
Jesus calls for us to be ready. Now.
It is an invitation to live each day as if it were the day of Christ’s return
What would you do differently if you knew Jesus was returning tomorrow?
- Of which sins would you repent?
- What wrongs have you committed that you would make right?
- What would you tell others that do not know Jesus?
- What would you do that demonstrates God’s love?
- What would you say to the people you love?
Are there any good reasons to not do those things today? Are you in any way better off postponing them? Or, would your life and the world be better if you did them today?
Preparing for Christmas is not about shopping, decorating, and cooking. Preparing to celebrate Christ’s birth is about remembering the one who came, living as those for whom he died, and serving him until he returns.
Keep alert! Keep awake!
Worshipping In-Person and Online
We are worshipping in-person at the church, live-streaming to wherever you are, and a recording will be available on YouTube later in the day. We will continue to offer these three ways to join us in worship.
In-Person Worship Begins at 9:30 am!
We are committed to offering worship opportunities for everyone during this time when it may be reasonable for some people to join in public gatherings, and yet still be too great of a risk for others.
- In-Person: Meeting in-person at the church at 9:30 am, (Fully vaccinated people have the option to not wear a mask. We do ask everyone to remain careful.).
- Live Video: Live-streaming the service to YouTube. Stream will start around 9:20 am with worship starting at 9:30 am. Don't worry if you join late, you can rewind to the beginning.
- Recorded Video: Available either immediately or later in the day on YouTube
Please "Subscribe" to our YouTube channel for easiest access to both live and recorded services. Click on the "Subscribe" button at this page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZuJHskSKoLnYRsGTt3clUA/videos?view=0&s...
You can sign up for emails with church news and worship information at the following link : http://eepurl.com/gW5eBj
Welcome to Oviedo Presbyterian Church
We are a family of Christ followers known for our love of Christ, love for one another, and reaching out to those in need. We value authenticity above formality, and honest relationships above token handshakes. We don't pretend to be perfect, and we don't expect that you are either.
If you just want to get lost in the crowd, we may not be the right place for you!
A church is not a building or something you attend, it is something you become a part of. If you want to be more than a number, to love and be loved, to grow in your faith, and to share your gifts and talents, we invite you to check us out.
Whether you are a seasoned saint or a questioning seeker, there is a place for you.
Our Sunday morning worship has a touch of tradition but without being stuffy. We worship in new songs of praise as well as hymns that have withstood the test of time. We preach and teach the Word of God in honest ways that connect with real life and real people. Like God’s love, we minister across the generations, rather than targeting just one. We believe that worship is something that we participate in rather than just watch.
Some of our older members dress in suits or dresses while some of the youth wear jeans. If you wear something "corporate casual" you'll fit right in. Who you are is more important that what you wear! Come as you are, we do!
