"'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' 
says the Lord God, 'who is, and who was, 
and who is to come, the Almighty.'"
Revelation 1:8
  

 

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come."

 

Mark 13:32

 

Throughout the years, many people and groups have claimed to know the day (and even exact hour) of Christ's return. 
While many have made predictions, it has only been until recent years that those predictions have been widely advertised with billboards, news stories, and social media posts. As a result, it is being talked about by many people--including your children. As Christian parents, we may shrug off such predictions or even joke about it. For our children, however, this can be a very uncertain time. The idea that their world might end or change at any point can cause stress and fear. Our hope is that this email equips you to help your child understand that Christ's return, though that time is unknown, is something to celebrate and look forward to.

In Him,
Cliff Cary & Sarah Stevens
 


Without a doubt, many children are talking about when the world will end and when Christ will return. It is better to provide your child with an accurate source of information and give him/her an opportunity for discussion within your family and our church family.
The 'End Times' is not often discussed in church. FBC has some great opportunities coming up for your family to discuss and learn more about Christ's Return:

**On Sunday, August 9, 
Pastor Howie's sermon will 
be about Christ's Return.

** During the month 
of August, 1st-5th grade Sunday School curriculum talks about Christ's Return.

Children take things they see in print 
(on a billboard, a social media post, etc.)
to be truth.

Don't miss the chance for an in-depth spiritual conversation with your child. Regardless of how old your child is, help calm his/her fears and worries.
 
How can you lead your child to understand the mystery and excitement of Christ's return? 
No one knows when Jesus will come
back--not even the angels know! 
God does not tell us what day this will happen, so we must trust God and not listen to other people who think that they know.

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the 
angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."
Matthew 24:36

God's coming will happen on His own timetable--at just the right time. 
He is in control of all things, and His promises will last forever. Rather than something 
to be feared, God's coming is good 
news for His people. We can trust that God will take care of us.

"The grass withers and the flowers fall, 
but the word of our God stands forever."
Isaiah 40:8


People will always try to guess when
He will return.
In Matthew 24, Jesus tells us about people making these guesses, and He says to
ignore them! When God's time comes, everyone will know.

"At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it...If anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man."
Matthew 24:23-27

Whenever Christ does come back, 
there is no way that you will miss it! 
God knows everything about you 
and will never forget you. He loves you very much and desires to have a personal relationship with you. When He comes back, He will know who has accepted 
Jesus as Lord.

"That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' 
and believe in your heart that God raised Him 
from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9


Don't miss the opportunity to talk with your child about salvation! If you need help knowing where to start, or need help answering some specific questions he/she is asking, please let us know! We have many resources available for you to use!
   

From 'Only 26 Days Until Jesus Returns!'
Read full blog entry here

   
Ministry-To-Children.com
RightNow
Media
Predictions of Christ's Return
"Jesus Final Instructions and Ascension"

This Lesson Guide has some great information and talking points to help explain to your child how we should be living until Christ's return. Though it is specifically written for 3rd-5th grade, it could easily be adapted for younger ages.
 
"What's in the Bible: The Revelation
to John"

This Kids Video does a fantastic job of putting Revelation into simple terms and explaining some of the book's symbolism in an age-appropriate way. This is a great resource to help explain this confusing book of the Bible to your kids!

Don't have RightNow Media? Sign up here!

"Past Predictions"


This List of Dates shows groups and people who have claimed to know when the world would end or when Christ would return. Explore this list as a family and talk about how no one knows the timing of Christ's return.
We are here for you!
Please call or email us if you have any questions, 
would like additional resources, etc.

             Cliff Cary                                 Sarah Stevens
    Minister to Children        Associate Minister to Children    cliff@firstamarillo.org          sarah@firstamarillo.org

FBC Amarillo
1208 S. Tyler
(806) 373-2891
Join the conversation!
Each month, we will post a conversation starter about our most recent email topic on our Facebook page. This will be a great way to hear advice and opinions from other families! 
Everyone who comments on these posts will be entered to win a giveaway!
 Please feel free to forward this email 
to friends & family!