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Watching Is Not Passive

CGG Weekly by John O. Reid

The concept of watching is central to our spiritual responsibility and readiness for the return of Christ. Jesus Himself emphasizes in Luke 21:36, "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." This instruction goes beyond merely observing world events; it calls for a deeper vigilance over our spiritual state. In Luke 21:34, Jesus urges us to take heed, to set our minds on the correct course, and to carefully watch that we do not stray from it, ensuring we are not distracted by fleshly desires or worldly anxieties that dull our spiritual senses. The term "watch" in Luke 21:36 literally means to go without sleep, implying a state of constant alertness and prayer for spiritual growth. This sense of active engagement is reinforced in Mark 13:33, where Jesus instructs us to take heed, watch, and pray, highlighting the need for vigilance since no one knows the timing of His return. This uncertainty should motivate us to remain attentive to spiritual matters and prepared at all times. Furthermore, in Mark 13:35-37, Jesus warns, "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" This admonition underscores the urgency of maintaining spiritual alertness and dedication to our calling, ensuring we do not neglect our growth or drift away from the path set before us.

Watch What?

'Prophecy Watch' by Pat Higgins

Jesus does not specify in so many words what we are to watch. The evidence points to the fact that watching has everything to do with spiritual preparation.

To Watch and Keep

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

Is prophecy merely to enlighten us about the future? On the contrary, God's spiritual purposes for prophecy concern the subjects of warning and keeping.

Praying Always (Part One)

Article by Pat Higgins

Luke 21:36 says to 'Watch and pray always....' Does this refer to watching world events, or is there more to this verse spiritually than meets the eye?

'As a Thief in the Night'

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Christ's second coming is described as being like 'a thief in the night.' Here is what it means for Christians living in the end times.

Praying Always (Part Two)

Article by Pat Higgins

In Luke 21:36, our Savior gives us two essential keys to being accounted worthy and escaping the terrors of the close of the age: watching and praying always.

Praying Always (Part Five)

Article by Pat Higgins

Deeply examining ourselves for flaws and shortcomings, as we do each year before Passover, helps us to accomplish Christ's command to watch and pray always.

Courage and the Dog Soldier

'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford

Though we are surrounded and buffeted by numerous difficulties and trials, God is always faithful to provide what we need to endure and overcome them.

Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Even with Christ's sacrifice, God does not owe us salvation. We are called to walk, actively putting to death our carnal natures, resisting the complacency.

The First Day of Unleavened Bread (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The term 'selfsame day' refers to the covenant God made with Abraham 430 years before the Exodus, which occurred on the day after the Passover.

Sin (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

True Christianity is no cakewalk into eternal life, but a life and death struggle against our flesh, the world, and a most formidable spirit adversary.

Letters to Seven Churches (Part Six): Sardis

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The letter to the church in Sardis reads like an obituary, warning us who are alive but lacking zeal to repent and become serious about our calling.

Corinthian Parallels to Sodom

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

I Corinthians is a practical manual for surviving in a Sodom-like culture, guarding against the corrosive aspects of our perverted culture and its excesses.

Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Five)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

In Exodus 19, there are 12 parallels with Christ's dramatic return illustrated in Matthew 24. All of these events will culminate in a blast of a trumpet.