241. The Great Commandments
All Christians believe in the Great Commandments: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” (John 10:27 cf. Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:28-34; John 10:25-28; Exodus 3:6; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18)
242. David’s Lord
Christians generally agree that Jesus was both the Lord God of the Old Testament and born into a family lineage descended from king David, and so David’s Lord was also his descendant, easily answering the question, “If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son [descendant]?” (Matthew 22:45 cf. Mark 12:37; Luke 20:44)
243. Self-Exalting Titles
Christians generally believe that Jesus was not against calling our earthly male parent father, nor against calling Abraham a father (Acts 7:2; Romans 4:12, 16; James 2:21), or even Paul being called a father (1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:11). Nor was Jesus against Himself and others being called Rabbi, Master or teacher (Acts 13:1; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11).
The purpose of Jesus’ hyperbolic discussion against such titles was to be humble and not demanding that others call us by such titles, “But he who is greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:8-12)
244. The Widow’s Mite
All Christians agree that the widow who gave two small coins gave proportionally more than most would even today. He was not encouraging the destitute to give to the point of starvation, but commending her faith and generosity in comparison to the rich who may be inclined to brag about the amount they give, and ignore the proportion. (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)
245. The Beginning of Birth Pains
All Christians agree that wars, rumors of wars, famines, plagues, and earthquakes “are the beginning of birth pains. Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you… Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another.” (Matthew 24:1-10 cf. Mark 13:1-12; Luke 21:5-17)
246. Great Tribulation
All Christians believe that there will be a time of great tribulation just before Jesus returns, “such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be.” (Matthew 24:21 cf. Mark 13:19)
247. Coming in the Clouds
All Christians believe that Jesus will return visibly in the clouds. “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” (Mark 13:26 cf. Matthew 24:29-30; Luke 21:27-28)
248. No One Knows
Despite the fact that it seems like every generation for the past 2,000 years have thought that Jesus would return in their lifetimes, all Christians believe, “But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32 cf. Matthew 24:36) It will be like in the days of Noah. “they didn't know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” Like in a flood one will be taken and another left. (Matthew 24:39-41 cf. Luke 17:26-35)
249. Be Watchful
All Christians agree that trying to figure out prophetic timelines is not as valuable a use of time as being watchful in prayer always. “Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36 cf. Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:33) “Watch therefore, for you don't know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping.” (Mark 13:35-36)
250. Like a Thief
All Christians believe that Jesus will return like a thief in the night, meaning at a time when nobody expects. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes.” (Matthew 24:45-46 cf. Luke 12:42-43)
