In this sermon for the Watford Church of Christ we take a look at one of the most confusing, yet, also surprisingly practical chapters from the gospel of Mark.

I do my best to give an overview of the meaning of the abomination that causes desolation and the other extraordinary predictions of Jesus.

In the end, however, we must reckon with the warnings in this chapter.

“Watch out (5)… Do not be alarmed (7)… Be on your guard (9)… Do not worry (11)… stand firm (13)… Flee (14)… Pray (18)… Do not be deceived (21-22)… Be on your guard (23)… Be on your guard (33)… Be alert (33)… Watch (35)… Watch! (37).

Can you answer these four questions?

1. What do we need to “watch out”/be on our guard for?

2. How can we stay alert without being anxious?
– ““Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1 ESV)

– “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” (Matthew 28:20 ESV)

3. What helps us to stand firm when under attack?
– “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 NIV11)
– “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,” (Ephesians 6:14 NIV11)
– “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.” (2Thess 2:15 NIV11)

4. What prevents us from being deceived?
– 1 Cor 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
– “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1John 1:8 ESV)

– “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ESV)

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).

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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm