I don't know about you, but I can hardly wait for the future that Pastor Terry described a moment ago! A time when Jesus will rule and reign here on earth...there will be peace and safety because the King of Kings and the LORD of LORDS will be here. It's easy to echo the words of John...even so, LORD COME QUICKLY!!!

The prophet Zechariah spoke much about the coming Messiah, Jesus. Some of the specific prophecies in the book of Zechariah are absolutely astounding in their accuracy. Like the one we just heard a moment ago...that Jesus would come into Jerusalem riding on a donkey and history proves that He in fact, did.

There are those who question the divinity of Jesus because they don't believe that He ever received worship as God. But, they fail to consider when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The people then proclaimed Him to be the Messiah of Israel and worshiped Him as Savior!

Considering the middle east right now and specifically the land of Israel, it's hard to believe that there will EVER be peace there. And yet we know that the false messiah, the anti-christ will somehow broker a deal that will bring peace. However, we know that TRUE peace will never come to Israel until they receive Jesus as LORD and Savior.

As we'll hear from Pastor Terry today...the last three chapters of the book of Zechariah could read like modern day headlines. And that's just how Pastor Terry will approach the text. We'll begin today looking at five different headlines that seem to exist in these chapters of Zechariah that have happened or are happening right before our very eyes.

Although there are many people out there that might disagree, God is not finished with His chosen people Israel. In fact, we're learning throughout the minor prophets that there is still much to be fulfilled in this nation. We know that there is coming a time in the not too distant future where all of Israel will look upon the One they have pierced and declare Him to be Messiah.

It's easy to slip into the religious routine...attempting to serve God in our own strength. But as we just heard from Pastor Terry, this is impossible. We need to rely on the endless power of the Holy Spirit as the driving force behind all that we do for God. We can come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain help in our time of need.

The voice of the enemy seems constant at times. He's always tries to condemn those that confess the name of Jesus as LORD. But, keep in mind that the enemy of our souls was completely defeated at the cross. There's coming a time when that victory will be realized and he will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.

Man-made rituals and traditions will not earn you a special place in heaven. Even if those rituals and traditions are intending to honor God. The Bible is full of directions as to how we're supposed to live as Christians. Maybe we should just read what the Bible says and KEEP those traditions rather than the traditions of man!

The most important thing to God is our hearts. We can portray all sorts of religious convictions...but, is that what's in our heart? Do I walk with God so that others will notice or do I walk with God because I love Him? Pastor Terry's exhortation is one we need to consider...is your life with God just ritual or a daily relationship?