Maranatha!

Maranatha is a Greek transliteration of an Aramaic word that appears in the New Testament only once, in I Corinthians 16:22.

The Strong’s number is G3134 and the entry reads as follows:

μαρὰν ἀθά maràn athá, mar’-an ath’-ah; of Chaldee origin (meaning our Lord has come); maranatha, i.e. an exclamation of the approaching divine judgment:—Maran-atha.

This is an interesting word because it has been translated primarily two ways in our English translations, either that the Lord has come (Young’s Literal), or an exclamation for the Lord to come again (NKJV, NLT, NIV, ESV, NET, RSV). Some translations do not translate the word and leave it as “Maranatha” (KJV, NASB, ASV, Darby, Webster, Latin Vulgate, etc.) The HCSB has both Maranatha and it’s meaning.

I think this is a great word that explains how I try to live my life.

I believe that the Lord Jesus has come and accomplished what the Father directed Him to do in His death, burial, and resurrection while in His incarnation here on Earth.  His sacrifice is what made it possible for me to be forgiven for my sins and become a child of God. So thank God that “Maranatha! the Lord has come!”

I also believe that the Lord Jesus will return at a time appointed by His Father.  I can’t know when that time will be, although I have been given things to watch for in the Scriptures that indicate the season is approaching quickly.  I have to live my life in a way where I am ready to go at any time. With the promise that the Lord would come to earth and be born comes the promise that He will return for His children, and to that I say “Maranatha! O Lord, Come!”

So I live my life between these two appearances- watching and waiting for His return, and doing my best to let my light shine in this dark and evil world.  I hope to encourage believers and reach out to non-believers with the gospel!

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Maranatha is also very meaningful to me because it is the name of the church that I pastor:

MARANATHA BAPTIST CHURCH

1818 Old Highway 26

Perkinston, MS 39573

601-928-5925

www.maranatha-Baptist-perkinston.com

Facebook: Maranatha Baptist Church in Perkinston MS

We are truly a family of believers that strive to learn the Word of God together and journey together through this life.  We laugh, cry, and fellowship- together!

I am teaching through the Old Testament book by book and chapter by chapter on Wednesdays at 7pm. (I don’t skip the hard stuff!)

On Sunday nights at 6pm I am teaching through the New Testament, book by book and chapter by chapter. (I don’t skip the hard stuff here either!)

On Sunday mornings at 10:30am we meet for worship, and I usually do a series for discipleship, such as the series on the Covenants of God I am posting online.

I use the New King James Version for my teaching and preaching, and I refer to other versions as needed to bring clarity to the meaning of the original languages.

If you are near the Perkinston area of Mississippi, right outside of Wiggins, we would love to have you visit with us.

And to my online followers, feel free to visit with us if you are ever in our area.  I would enjoy meeting you!

Here is a picture of our church sign: