tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68968234492314696742024-03-13T17:36:58.229-05:00Dr. Paul BenwareUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-91571256590392047932024-03-01T08:30:00.001-06:002024-03-01T08:30:00.265-06:00THE VIEW FROM THE MOUNT OF OLIVES Study #2<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f37d7dd5-7fff-7ef6-782e-c964332643d9"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span>When Jesus declared that the Jerusalem Temple would be destroyed, His disciples naturally wanted to know the details. The Lord Jesus and four of the disciples sat down on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem, and Jesus answered their questions. The disciples’ questions were about Temple destruction and Jesus’ Second Coming. The questions related to the people and nation of Israel. The disciples did not inquire about gentiles or the church, and in His answers, Jesus did not talk about them either. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the first study, it was suggested that there are three interpretive matters that must be kept in mind when studying this Olivet Discourse. (1) The questions and answers found in this discourse are concerning Israel, not the church and not gentiles. (2) The word “you” which Jesus used many times always refers to Israel; Israel as represented by one group or another within Israel. (3) The events and judgments of the Tribulation are unique in their intensity, and therefore, they must not be interpreted as they occur in today’s world. With these in mind, we will approach Jesus’ teaching.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There are really three distinct parts to the Tribulation: (1) the first half of the Tribulation; (2) the mid-point of the Tribulation; and (3) the second half of the Tribulation. Our study will look at these three divisions of the Tribulation. </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The First Half of the Tribulation</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> – Matthew 24:4-8</span></p></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Daniel’s Prophecy of the 70 Weeks</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">. This O.T. prophecy (Dan. 9:24-27) is the foundation on which much N.T. prophetic truth is based. In Daniel 9, the 7 final years are neatly divided into two periods of 3½ years each, but that the second 3½ years will be much worse. Jesus follows this pattern in His prophetic discourse, even calling the second half “the tribulation, the great one.” </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The “Birth Pains.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-line: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">” </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">As Jesus began describing the judgments of the Tribulation, He referred to them as “birth pains” (Matt. 24:8). This is a concept that is found in several of the O.T. prophets, such as Isaiah 13:8 and Jeremiah 30:7-9. “Birth pains” alert the mother-to-be that the baby’s birth is coming soon. The judgments of the Tribulation (the “birth pains”) reveal that the “birthing” of the messianic age is coming soon. There are two realities that characterize “birth pains.” First, as the time for the birth gets closer, there is less time between the birth pains. They come faster and closer together. And second, the pains become more intense as the moment of birth approaches. Normally, the last birth pains are more severe than the first ones. This will be the case in the matter of Tribulation judgments. And this is what is seen when the Book of Revelation is analyzed. The final judgments of the Tribulation are far more “painful” than the first ones and they come closer and closer together. </span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 32.4pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> As was discussed in the first study, the judgments of the Tribulation, such as earthquakes and pandemics, should not be understood as we experience these events now. The intensity of all these in the Tribulation will be far beyond what takes place today. Revelation 6:8 reveals that a minimum of 25% of the world’s population will die during the first half of the Tribulation. Based on the population of planet earth right now, that would be about 2 billion people who perish. There has never been anything like that in human history. </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">False Teachers and Counterfeit Messiahs.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-line: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">When difficult times come, people are fearful and desperate for answers, and this opens them up for all kinds of deceptions. The Tribulation certainly qualifies as a difficult time. At that time of chaos, people will be gripped by uncertainty and fear. The result will be that they are easily fooled by those claiming to have the answers. Many will claim to be an authoritative teacher sent from God or some messiah-figure. Jesus warned Israel of their vulnerability in that future day. And even today, when the times become ominous, coming in the form of economic uncertainty, political unrest or national conflicts, there are those who deceive, claiming to have the word from God and to be God’s representative. Jesus says “watch out for them.”</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Outlined by Jesus, Detailed by John</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-line: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">In this discourse, Jesus spoke in general terms of wars, earthquakes, famines, plagues, and great signs from heaven. These will be experienced in the first half of the Tribulation. They are the beginning of the “birth pains.” The Apostle John, who was with Jesus that day on the Mount of Olives, would be the one chosen some 60 years later to give the details of these matters in Revelation; specifically, the “seal judgments” found in Revelation 6. </span></p></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Second Half of the Tribulation</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> – Matthew 24:9-14</span></p></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Great Persecution</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">. As one looks at biblical prophecy, it is essential to remember that the Tribulation period is primarily a battle for the souls of men. God wishes to save people, and the Evil One desires to destroy them if they will not come and worship him. Those who refuse to worship Satan and Antichrist will be the targets of satanic hatred throughout the seven years. Jesus said, “then they will deliver you to tribulation and will kill you…and at that time, many will fall away and will deliver up one another and hate one another (Matt. 24:9-10). Both Daniel and Revelation reveal that this persecution will be highly effective, resulting in the deaths of a multitude of God’s people.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Great Salvation.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Tribulation is a time of salvation. Jesus made the interesting point that many Jewish people will be persecuted because they now identify with Jesus (24:9). Israel has long been hated and persecuted but never because they identify with Jesus Messiah. Salvation is coming to Israel in the second half of the Tribulation and will climax at the Second Coming. Also, it is important to note that during the Tribulation period the gospel will go to every person on the planet (24:14). This has never happened before, and it will result in millions of people from Israel and the gentile nations coming to faith in Jesus (see Rev. 7:9-14). God will save a multitude, making this the greatest time of salvation in all of human history.</span></p></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Mid-Point of the Tribulation</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> – Matthew 24:15</span></p></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Sign: The “Abomination of Desolation”</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The disciples had wanted Jesus to give them a sign that would alert them to the coming of the end time events. In 24:15, Jesus declared that “the sign” would be the “abomination of desolation” which Daniel had spoken about. This term “abomination of desolation” speaks of the ultimate defilement of the Temple of God in Jerusalem. When this desecration of the Temple takes place, then Israel will know that those end time events and the coming of Jesus are about to occur. The Apostle Paul speaks of this defilement when the Antichrist will set himself up as “god” in the temple (2 Thes. 2:4). In His discourse, Jesus spoke of many events and wonders, but the “abomination of desolation” is the one unmistakable sign. Obviously, there must be a Jewish temple in Jerusalem for this to take place. Daniel, Paul, John, and Jesus all teach that once again there will be a temple on the “temple mount” in Jerusalem. Jews, in Israel today, are preparing for such a temple. This is not wishful thinking on their part, but they are a part of the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. And while we cannot say how Israel will get back the temple mount, they will. And it may be that the Antichrist will play a part in getting back that sacred piece of real estate.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Major Mid-Point Events.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus’ only point about the middle point of the Tribulation was the matter of the “abomination of desolation.” However, there are other important events that will take place at the mid-point, which will dramatically change the Tribulation for Israel from unpleasant to extremely bad. These will just be listed, since they are not part of Jesus’ prophetic discourse.</span></p></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Satan is removed from heaven and confined to the earth (Rev. 12). This event will fuel the fire of Satan’s hatred for Israel and all those who follow Jesus.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Jewish temple worship will end. It is not known how long the Jews will have had their worship in the new temple, but it will end at the mid-point.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The end of all religions. The “great harlot” religious system (Rev. 17) and all religions will end. There will be just one worship system allowed; that is the worship of Satan and Antichrist. (Rev. 13).</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Three times it is said that the Antichrist will be killed but will return to life (Rev. 13). This return to life is not in a resurrection body, but is such an amazing event that it will cause the world to worship him. </span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">IN CONCLUSION. Our next study will pick up where we have left off. Jesus was quite concerned that His followers would take this truth and let it impact their lives right now. He wanted them to always be alert and prepared for His coming. He knew that we can grow apathetic and even weary. He does not want us to be caught off guard when He returns. Delay is not a denial of His return. As we live, we are to keep one eye heavenward. This is what pleases and honors the Lord Jesus. And this is what helps us keep a proper perspective in our lives today.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-90378635177718320442024-02-01T08:30:00.001-06:002024-02-01T08:30:00.158-06:00THE VIEW FROM THE MOUNT OF OLIVES (Jesus’ Great Prophetic Sermon)<p><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">All Scripture is “God-breathed” and is, therefore, valuable for teaching us and correcting us. No Scripture is more inspired than any other. We know that the words of the Apostle Paul, or the prophet Isaiah, are equally inspired as the words of Jesus. But it does seem that people sit up straighter and listen more carefully when it is Jesus that is speaking. And perhaps this is one reason why Jesus’ “Olivet Discourse” has taken on greater interest in the matter of biblical prophecy. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Our plan is to take the next few Scofield Prophecy Studies and carefully explore this important prophetic teaching given by Jesus. Jesus will give basic facts about the future, but His emphasis is on application. About 75% of this discourse is an application of His prophetic teachings, which gives us insights into the purposes of prophecy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">THE THREE BASIC PURPOSES FOR BIBLICAL PROPHECY</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God did not reveal truths about future events simply to satisfy our natural curiosity about such things. There are basically three reasons for biblical prophecy. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">First</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, prophecy reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation. We can get overwhelmed by the presence and power of evil that is manifested in leaders, nations, and even the folks down the street. It seems that life today is out of control. We can have a sense of being helpless and hopeless. But that is not reality for the believer. God’s plans and purposes are set in place, and He will do what He wants to do when He wants to do it. God is not intimidated nor is He impressed by rebellious people. Psalm 2 states that </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“He who sits in the heavens laughs, He scoffs at them. He will speak to them in His anger, and terrify them in His anger.” </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Psalm 2 goes on to say that the Father has already established the Son as ruler of the earth (Psa. 2:4-9). Those end time events are future to us but they are a “done deal” as far as God is concerned. Isaiah 40:12-26 adds to Psalm 2, giving a perspective on God’s sovereignty over the “powerful” nations of the earth.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Second</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, prophecy is given to impact us TODAY. When we learn about future events and believe the Bible’s teachings, we develop a “two-world” view; living faithfully in this world, but with an eye on the world to come. Our decisions and choices become more in line with the Lord’s standards. We become less likely to let sin take root in our lives, but quickly confess when we do sin (1 John 2:28-3:3; 2 Peter 3:10-14). Prophecy helps us live godly lives. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And third</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, prophecy reveals the terrible fate of those who do not accept God’s gracious offer of salvation through Jesus. The person who does not place their faith in Jesus Christ is forever separated from God, experiencing nothing of the grace of God. They will be in the condition of “eternal ruin” (2 Thess. 1:9). It will be like being eternally depressed; where life has no meaning at all and there is absolutely no hope of things changing. And, as most are aware, they will be put into a place called the “lake of fire,” which is a place of torment (Rev. 20:14-16). What they experience is terrible, and what they do not experience is terrible also. And this condition is “eternal” (Matt. 25:46). </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">THE SETTING OF JESUS’ OLIVET DISCOURSE</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Time of the Sermon in the Life of Jesus. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus gave the Olivet Discourse on Tuesday afternoon of the “passion week.” While in the Jerusalem Temple that day, the disciples pointed out certain impressive features of the Temple. Jesus surprisingly declared that the Temple was going to be completely destroyed. This naturally caused the disciples to raise some questions about Jesus’ comment. As Jesus and four of His disciples (Peter, Andrew, James, and John) exited on the east side of the Temple, they went up onto the Mount of Olives where Jesus would answer their questions and would set forth in general terms, the outline of future events.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Spiritual Condition of the Nation of Israel. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Before they left the Temple and went to the Mount of Olives, Jesus had given the most blistering denunciation of Israel’s religious leaders. Seven times Jesus charged them with being “hypocrites” (Matt. 23:1-29). (The word </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">hupocritos,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> was used of actors on the stage. Actors pretend to be something they are not. The religious leaders pretended to be holy and lovers of God, but it was just an act). Jesus called them “blind guides'' since they led the people away from God and turned them into “sons of hell.” These leaders had led Israel into the rejection of their own prophesied Messiah, and so committed the greatest sin in the history of Israel. The leaders and those who followed them would now experience the judgment of God. That generation in Israel was doomed, though individuals could still save themselves from this fate. This was an emphasis of the Apostle Peter on the “day of Pentecost” (Acts 2:40). That generation was in serious trouble as the clouds of judgment were forming on the horizon. It must be remembered that this judgment was on that generation of Israelites and was not a rejection of God’s covenantal relationship with national Israel. That generation would be judged, but God would be faithful to His promises and bring about fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant.</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">THREE KEYS IN INTERPRETING THE OLIVET DISCOURSE</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Questions of the Four Disciples. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The gospels record the questions of the Apostles, which focused on the destruction of the Temple and on the Second Coming. Their questions assumed that they thought the Temple destruction and Christ’s coming would be at the same time. However, as Jesus answered their questions, He made it clear that those two events were separate from one another. Luke records the answer to the destruction of the Temple, which took place in A.D. 70. Matthew gives the answer to the question about Jesus’ return and the sign of that return. What is essential to observe concerning the disciples’ questions is that they were about the future of Israel; Israel’s land, Temple and Messiah. The Apostles were not asking about gentiles nor were they asking about the church. Their knowledge of the church was almost non-existent. Months earlier, Jesus had stated: “I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18). But there is no indication that the Apostles understood what that meant or even that they wanted to know more. Therefore, when analyzing the Olivet Discourse, the subject matter relates to Israel alone. This will apply to the heart of the discourse as well as the six parables where application is made. This is about Israel.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Constant Use of the Word “YOU.” </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus used the word “you” many times in Matthew 23-25. Who was He talking about? Fundamentally, “you” refers to Israel, but there is more to it. It is not possible to look at every use of “you,” but the following are good examples which will lead us to an understanding of who Jesus was talking to.</span></p></li></ol><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">23:34 – </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">the evil religious leaders are the ones being spoken to. They have rejected Messiah Jesus and they will continue persecuting those sent by God.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">23:35 – </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">the “you” looks back centuries to the killing of God’s prophet by leaders of Israel from an earlier generation. Obviously, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day did not do the killing.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">23:37 – </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">here the “you” refers to all of the nation of Israel who were rejecting Jesus Messiah. It is not just the leaders but also the people who are following them.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">23:39 – </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">a future generation of Israelites will come to faith in Jesus. “You” will believe in Him, and this is the prerequisite for Christ's Second Coming.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">24:2 – </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">At that moment Jesus is speaking to His men; they are the “you.”</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">24:6 – </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus is speaking about the early days of the future Tribulation when “you” will be hearing of various judgments. This is a future generation.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">24:9 – </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">a future generation who believes in Jesus in the Tribulation.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">24:15, 33 – </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">“You” will see the ‘abomination of desolation’. “You” will see all the signs of the Tribulation. Again, this is a future generation of Israelites.</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 28.8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 7.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In each case, “you” is speaking of Israel, as represented by different groups in Israel, over centuries of time. “You” never refers to gentiles or to the church.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 28.8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 7.2pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a21f9ffb-7fff-ac30-b5aa-835d19ae93cf"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">3.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 7.2pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Uniqueness of the Tribulation Period. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-indent: 7.2pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The O.T. prophets saw the Tribulation period as unique (see Daniel 12:1; Jeremiah 30:7; Joel 2:2). And Jesus stated the same thing. It would be the absolute worst of times (Matt. 24:21). When Jesus speaks of famines, diseases, earthquakes and even war, we must not see these as similar in intensity and/or location to what goes on in the world today. For example, earthquakes in the Tribulation cause every mountain and island to be moved out of their places (Rev. 6:15; 16:18, 20). Those earthquakes are not along fault lines but the whole crust of the earth is reshaped. Today’s famines, pandemics, earthquakes, etc. are not the same intensity of those in the Tribulation. They are distinct. This reality should keep us from thinking that the Tribulation is just more of the same or even that these things in our day are signs of the nearness of the Tribulation. They are not. With these basic interpretive guidelines in place, our next study will be on the coming 7 years of Tribulation on this earth. You might find it profitable to read and re-read Matthew 24 and 25 before our second study.</span></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-71045862933163500292024-01-01T08:30:00.001-06:002024-01-01T08:30:00.139-06:00THE COMING YEAR and THE COMING RAPTURE<p><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-955a4cbb-7fff-8d38-0523-43840c86db98"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When we hang that new 2024 calendar on the wall or door, we tend to wonder, at least momentarily, what the new year might bring. For many Bible believers, included in that wondering is whether we might exit the earth via the Rapture. Will we meet Jesus in the air sometime in 2024? And this is a good thing for us to think about. The rapture could, of course, happen in 2024 given that the world looks a lot like the world of the end of times.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> W</span>hat has caught my attention this year is the number of pastors and Bible teachers who have come out to deny that there is such an event as the Rapture. In looking at their many objections to the rapture, there are four common ones. But why should we spend any time thinking about these? Partly because we need to know why we believe something and be able to give a reasonable response to these objections. We will do this briefly and then end this article with a review of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. How would you respond to these four common objections to the concept of the rapture?</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Bible does not teach a secret, silent coming of Christ. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Their point is that Christ’s coming is one that is anything but silent and secret. It is an event that all in the world would know about. They are thinking about Second Coming scriptures. And while some who believe in the rapture event have seen it as secret and silent, the Scriptures do not teach that. In fact, Paul says (1 Thes. 4:16) that there will be three rather loud sounds in connection with the rapture: namely, the shout of Jesus, probably commanding the dead in Christ to come forth (John 5:25); the blast of God’s trumpet; and the voice of Michael the Archangel, perhaps shouting out a word of victory as the church saints pass through the air which is the domain of Satan. It is quite likely that unsaved people will be aware that something momentous has happened but they will not understand its significance. Perhaps it will be like the event on the road to Damascus when Saul met the glorified Christ. Those with Saul/Paul knew something had happened but did not understand it. Since most do not teach that the rapture is a silent event, this objection carries little weight.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The rapture doctrine is new and was not taught throughout the history of the church. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The contention is that the rapture doctrine began around 1830 being formulated by J.N. Darby, based on a vision of one Margaret MacDonald. Darby is seen as the father of both the pre-tribulation rapture and the dispensational approach to biblical interpretation. The basic assumption is that if it is “new” then it is most likely not true. Of course, the issue is not newness but rather if a doctrine is true to the Word of God. </span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This objection fails to remember that there has always been development of doctrines in the life of the church. Each era of church history has been occupied with a particular doctrinal discussion which has brought about refinement of the details within that doctrine. The discussions go on until there is clarity. As a recent example, take the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and His ministries. Around 1900, the modern charismatic movement was born and this brought about much debate on the matters of being filled with Spirit, speaking in tongues, prophesying, anointing and many other details within the area of Pneumatology. As a result, there emerged a much more defined doctrine of the Holy Spirit. In eschatology (future things), within the last century and a half there has been much attention to detail and great refinement within this doctrinal area. Many “new” subjects within eschatology have been proposed. But the issue is not is it old or new, but “is this what the Bible teaches?” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> But getting back to MacDonald and Darby. Margaret MacDonald, whose revelation, and sanity are both suspect, was not the source of Darby’s pre-tribulation rapture view. Her rapture views are unclear and there is no evidence that Darby knew her. The idea that there was a rapture which came before the Second Coming was something seen long before Darby. It was Darby, however, who developed and refined the pre-tribulation rapture view based on his study of Scripture. There is clear evidence that others, long before Darby, had suggested that there was a rapture that was distinct from and prior to the Second Coming.</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">In 1687, Peter Jurieu, in his book </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">“Approaching Deliverance of the Church” </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">taught that Christ would come and rapture His church out of the world before Armageddon and then would come again in glory.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Commentaries by Philip Doddridge (1738) and John Gill (1748) spoke of the rapture as an imminent event. Both believed the rapture came before Christ’s coming to the earth at His Second Coming. The purpose of Christ’s coming for His church was to preserve it from the time of judgment.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">James MacKnight (1763) and Thomas Scott (1792) did not give a detailed chronology of future events but did see a distinction between the rapture and the Second Coming.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Others would follow. But why were some now seeing a rapture that was distinct from the Second Coming? The answer is that the church was beginning to leave centuries of the spiritualization of Bible prophecy </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">and to return to a literal approach in the</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">interpretation of Scriptures</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">. Literal interpretation leads to these observations.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Somewhere in the 4</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> to 7</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> century, more than a thousand years before Darby, the writings of one known as “Pseudo-Ephraem” spoke of the saints being taken from the earth before the time of tribulation judgments and the Second Coming. </span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, these examples that we know about certainly tell us that J.N. Darby was not the first expositor to see a rapture and Second Coming as distinct events.</span></p><ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Jesus never taught a rapture event in His prophetic teaching. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The point that is made is that in Luke 17 and Matthew 24 Jesus spoke of “two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left, two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left” (Matt. 24:40-41). These who are taken are not raptured but are taken in judgment. And in the contexts that is a correct understanding. These are not rapture passages, but passages that speak about coming judgment. At the time of this prophetic discourse Jesus had not yet spoken to His apostles about the rapture. (I believe He hinted at it in John 14, but even that was after these discourses). And when the disciples asked Jesus about future events, they knew nothing about the rapture and were asking questions about His Second Coming and what would happen to Israel. The rapture was an unknown subject at that point in time. It should be remembered, however, that Paul does say that he got his rapture teaching from Jesus (1 Thes. 4:15), probably in those years of instruction in Arabia right after his conversion.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The rapture doctrine has diverted Christians from seriously working to bring about God’s restoration of all things and has given them an escapist mentality.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> It</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">might be true that some believing in the rapture have gone to live in their theological bunkers and have not engaged the needy world. But this objection reflects a post-millennial theology where the church will bring about the Christianization of the world and prepare the world for Jesus’ Second Coming. The church will not clean up the world and make it ready for Jesus to come again. Jesus will take care of the world when He returns. But many believers, looking for Jesus’ return at the rapture, are seriously engaged and motivated in serving Christ and sharing the gospel in this world.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A Quick Review of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As most of our readers know, this portion of Scripture is the central passage on the doctrine of the rapture. Here are the essential teachings in these verses.</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">CONTEXT. The believers at Thessalonica were deeply concerned that the believers who had recently died (“fallen asleep”) would miss out on the rapture. They are assured that believers who had died, and were with Jesus, would be a part of the rapture, sequentially rising first.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">RAPTURE TRUTH COMES DIRECTLY FROM THE LORD. Paul’s discussion is based squarely on that which Paul received from Jesus.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">JESUS HIMSELF COMES TO GET HIS BRIDE (CHURCH). Following the marriage ritual of that time, Jesus, the bridegroom, comes to get His bride and to return to the Father’s house where the wedding will take place (John 14:1-3). In Revelation 19, the scene is in heaven and this is where the wedding will take place. It is before the Second Coming. The bride is there, which means that every church age believer will be there. (There is no wedding if only 2/3 or 7/10 of the bride is there!). The rapture is a very personal moment for Jesus because He comes to get His bride. The word </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">“Parousia '' </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">is used for this coming at the rapture (4:15). There are three primary words used in the New Testament for the Lord’s return: (parousia—“coming”); (apocalupsis---“revealing, unveiling”); and (epiphania---"appearing”). Some have tried to use these words to prove some theological point, but they are not technical terms and cannot be used that way. The text is simply saying that Jesus will come and take His bride with Him, so she may be where He is.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">PAUL PUTS HIMSELF AMONG THOSE WHO ARE ALIVE AT THE RAPTURE. Twice Paul speaks of himself as among the living at the rapture. A plain reading of the text shows that the rapture was an imminent event, possibly occurring in Paul’s lifetime.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE RAPTURE INVOLVES THOSE WHO ARE “IN CHRIST.” Being “in Christ” meant being in the church, the body of Christ. Old Testament believers and the unsaved are not “in Christ” and will not be participants in the rapture. The rapture is for believers of the church age.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">SOUNDS OF THE RAPTURE. As noted earlier, there are three sounds (4:16) that are part of the rapture event. There is a high probability that these sounds will be heard worldwide. The rapture may be unexpected, but it is neither secret or silent.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE CHURCH WILL BE “CAUGHT UP” TO MEET JESUS </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">IN THE AIR</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">. Jesus will snatch away His bride out of the world. The word used is “harpazo”, and it conveys the idea of a force that is suddenly exercised to snatch something away, and it is an irresistible force. The Latin word is </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">rapturo</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">, which is where the word “rapture” comes from. Jesus will snatch up the church to meet Him in the air but He does not return to the earth at this time. And it is in the clouds of glory, in the air, that we meet Him. No such thing takes place in passages that speak of Christ’s Second Coming.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">BELIEVERS WILL PERMANENTLY BE WITH THE LORD. Once the rapture takes place, the church age believers will never be separated from the Lord. The marriage of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-8) pictures this permanent relationship. From the rapture onward, where Jesus goes, His bride goes.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE RAPTURE TRUTH IS A TRUTH TO BRING COMFORT TO THE BELIEVER. The truth that Jesus is coming for us is designed to encourage believers. The knowledge that we are not abandoned and that we will again be with our believing loved ones brings such comfort. The rapture doctrine reminds us that our best days are yet ahead of us. As the darkness deepens in our world, this doctrine gives us perspective and is an encouragement to us to be a light for the Savior who is coming for us. And as we again think about the rapture, believers need to ask “do I love His appearing.” In other words, do we long to see the Savior?</span></p></li></ol></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-6763395047566750972023-12-01T08:30:00.001-06:002023-12-01T08:30:00.130-06:00 THE CHRISTMAS STORY: THINKING ABOUT JOSEPH and the WISE MEN <p><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-12d1ec98-7fff-e8a9-c079-b4b15de07af3"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span>Joseph was selected by God because he was a righteous man. When Mary was about 6 or 7 months along in her pregnancy, Joseph became aware of that reality (Matt. 1:18-25). He probably tried to believe Mary’s story about how she became pregnant, but he simply couldn’t buy into her rather creative account of an angel coming to her, and more importantly the point that no man was involved in her becoming pregnant. So, Joseph decided (because he was a good man) not to publicly shame her, but rather to quietly and privately end their relationship. When he was about to put his plan into motion, an angel appeared to him one night and informed him that Mary was telling the truth, and that he was now part of the fulfillment of Isaiah’s “virgin birth” prophecy (Isaiah 7:14). Joseph was to name the baby boy “Jesus” because He would be the One who would bring salvation to people. In obedience to the angel, Joseph got up and immediately, formally married Mary thus affording her protection from any negatives that would come from society. Interestingly, from this moment on God did not speak to Mary directly but all divine communication came to Joseph, who was now the head of this newly formed family. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Matthew continues with the “Christmas story”, he does not record anything about the journey to Bethlehem, or of Joseph and Mary ending up in a place where animals were kept (probably a cave) for the birth of Jesus because there was no shelter in any inn. Instead, Matthew jumps ahead to tell of the arrival of “wise men” from the east who came to see and to worship the baby king, Jesus. The wise men have become an important part of the Christmas story. But why include this account? Matthew’s gospel targeted the Jewish people; who were very familiar with the promises and prophecies found in the O.T. They knew about the coming rule of the Messiah over Israel and also over the gentile nations of the world. From the beginning, God has planned for the restoration of all nations, and this is where the account of the wise men fits in. However, not everything found in our Christmas traditions related to the wise men are necessarily accurate. Let’s separate fact from fiction.</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">WISE MEN FICTIONS</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Who hasn’t received a Christmas card with three wise men on their camels crossing the desert from somewhere in the east with a bright star overhead; or perhaps one with the wise men crowding into the manger area with a number of shepherds and a variety of animals in attendance as well. These, however, are not what the Bible’s account reveals.</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE WISE MEN WERE NOT THERE AT THE BIRTH OF JESUS. There are a number of points in the biblical text which show that they perhaps arrived as much as a year after the birth of Jesus. First, the wise men did not bring their gifts and their worship of Jesus to a manger, but rather to a house where Joseph and Mary now resided (Matt. 2:11). Second, it is clear that Herod the Great ordered the deaths of all infants two and under, just to make sure he got rid of this baby king. This level of destruction makes little sense if the baby Jesus was going to be born the same night that the wise men saw Herod the Great in Jerusalem (as they sought the specific location of the birth of the messiah). Just have the executioners find all the just born babies and kill them. Third, the wise men brought expensive gifts to baby Jesus. These would have made Joseph and Mary fairly wealthy. However, when they were required by the Levitical law to bring an offering at the time of Mary’s purification (Luke 2:22-24), they brought the least expensive offering of two birds. This they could not do if they were in possession of gold (and they were) as well as very expensive ointments (and they were). This time of purification was 40 days </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">after</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> the birth, making the minimum time for the wise men’s arrival at least 40 days after the birth. The wise men did not arrive in Bethlehem on the night of the birth of Jesus.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE STAR GUIDED THEM ACROSS THE DESERT. The wise men went to Jerusalem because they supposed that was where the king of Israel would be born. It was there that they learned of Micah’s prophecy (Micah 5:2) that the king would be born five miles south of Jerusalem, in the little village of Bethlehem. When they exited Jerusalem to head for Bethlehem, they saw the star. This caused great rejoicing because it had been months since they had seen it, which was back home. The star then guided them the five miles and </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">stood over the very house</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> where Joseph, Mary and Jesus were now living. The “star”, I believe is best understood as the Shekinah---the glory of God which spoke of the very presence of God. And indeed, God was present in the God/Man Jesus.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THERE WERE THREE WISE MEN. The idea of there being three wise men most likely comes from the fact that three different gifts were brought to baby Jesus. But travel in those days was always dangerous and the wise men would have been part of a large caravan made up of many more than three. Maybe there were 15 wise men.</span></p></li></ul><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">FACTS</span></p></li></ol><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THEY WENT TO THE HOUSE WHERE JOSEPH, MARY AND JESUS WERE LIVING. Matthew’s account is perfectly clear. The wise men did not go to the place of Jesus’ birth, but to a house (Matt. 2:11). This reveals two basic things. First, some time had passed after the birth before the wise men arrived in Bethlehem. The family had now taken up residence in the town. And second, the “star” was not a comet, alignment of planets, or any other heavenly body. None of those has the ability to appear above a single, specific house in a neighborhood in Bethlehem. However, the “shekinah” (glory of God) could do that just as it did in the days of Moses, when it appeared over the Tabernacle as a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day (Exodus 40:36-38).</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THEY ARRIVED AT LEAST 40 DAYS AFTER THE BIRTH. When a Jewish woman gave birth to a male child, she had to go through the rites of purification 40 days after the birth (Leviticus 12). Then an offering was made. As noted above, if the wise men had arrived and given them the expensive gifts, Joseph and Mary would not have been able to bring the least expensive gift. The rite of purification requires the arrival of the wise men after the 40 days. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE WISE MEN PICTURED WHAT WOULD BE TRUE IN THE KINGDOM OF MESSIAH. Matthew is the only one that gives the account of the wise men. Why? Matthew wrote his gospel with a Jewish audience in mind, presenting Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah/King of Israel. In the future, when King Jesus returns to the earth at His Second Coming, the gentile nations of the earth (as pictured by the wise men) will come to worship Him and declare their loyalty to Him. Here is a sampling of scriptures that speak of this.</span></p></li></ul><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Zechariah 14:16---</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The nations of the earth will come to Jerusalem annually to worship King Jesus.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Isaiah 60:56---</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">During the messianic age, the gentile nations will come and worship with </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">gold and frankincense</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Psalm 2:6-9---</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Messiah, the Son, will rule over all the nations of the earth and they will worship Him; nations which today have a very different attitude towards Him</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Revelation 19:15-16---</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">King Jesus will rule and is said to the King over all the kings of the earth. His rule will not tolerate overt sin and wickedness.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Hebrews 2:5-8---</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">King Jesus’ kingdom is an earthly one, ruling over all mankind on this earth. However, that rule has not yet begun, but is future.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Daniel 2:44---</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">King Jesus begins His reign over the earth, </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">after </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">all the kingdoms of mankind have been eliminated, and His kingdom is the only one on this earth.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Isaiah 66:18, 23---</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">As Messiah Jesus reigns, all the nations of the earth will come to Jerusalem to worship Him.</span></p></li></ul><br /><ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -3.6pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">OUR RESPONSE. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Christmas season can be a very pleasant and wonderful time of the year. The Apostle Paul informs us that God has given all things to us to enjoy if they are sanctified (set apart in their proper place) by the Word and prayer (1 Timothy 4:4-5). So, as we enter into the Christmas season, for us there is a lot that can be enjoyed. We can appreciate the food, the decorations, the fun, and time with friends and family. As long as God’s Word gives us perspective and as we prayerfully look for chances to share materially and spiritually, there is much we can enjoy. Of course, the Christmas season can also be a challenging time for people who have lost loved ones; who face difficult relational or financial circumstances; or who are dealing with deep disappointments. But there are certain things that Christmas reminds us of that are not determined by life’s circumstances.</span></p></li></ol><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">The Coming of the Savior Has Solved the Sin Problem. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Sin is a problem for each and every person on this planet. Religions attempt to deal with that in one way or another. But when baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God’s plan of dealing with sin once and for all began to take place. For everyone who places their faith in the Son of God, who died on the cross for all our sins and then rose from the dead, a secure eternal life is given (John 20:30-31). His once for all death on the cross was a full and a complete payment for all of our sins, and has satisfied God’s righteous requirements for life eternal (Heb. 9:25-28; 10:10-14). Even if we are unsure about the wise men or other aspects of the Christmas story, baby Jesus’ purpose in entering this world is a certainty. He came to pay the necessary price for our sin. And gladly, “it is finished”.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Our Place in King Jesus’ Future Kingdom is Secure.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> The story of the wise men was included by Matthew to remind his Jewish readers (and us as well) that when King Jesus reigns, the gentile nations will come and worship Him. This is pictured by the coming of the wise men. This coming kingdom, with all its magnificence, is detailed in the O.T. prophets. It will be a time of harmonious relationships among people; a time of universal prosperity; a time when righteousness, not crime and evil, will be the order of the day; a time when the curse put on creation will be lifted; and a period when joy will dominate life on the earth. All are invited to be part of this wonderful period of 1,000 years (Rev. 20:1-10), which is pictured as a wedding feast (Rev. 19:9; Matt. 22:1-14). God’s invitation is accepted when the individual places faith in Jesus. At that moment the “reservation” is made and is secure (1 Peter 1:3-5).</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -3.6pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">God Uses Godly People.</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> The key players in the Christmas story were all declared to be godly, righteous people. That was true of Joseph, Mary, and the parents of John the Baptist. God commits His important work to those who faithfully walk with Him. He does not require perfection, but He does require that we be clean and obedient. Being famous is not a requirement. If we desire to serve King Jesus in meaningful ways, we need to remember people like Joseph. The Lord God delights in taking the “little people” of the world to work through in accomplishing eternal things. What a great way to live! Jesus promised that our lives would be fruitful and very meaningful if we would “abide” (remain in fellowship) with Him. (John 15:1-5). Christmas reminds us that Jesus came, and so our lives can be meaningful and satisfying (not necessarily easy) right now; and that our best days are yet ahead of us. </span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">So, when you receive a Christmas card this year with three men riding on three camels out in the middle of nowhere, with a brilliant star overhead, let it remind you of why Matthew included the wise men in his gospel narrative. The Savior/King came into this world in a most humble fashion to do the great work of restoring everything that mankind lost back in the Garden of Eden; not just Jews, but gentiles as well. And, maybe soon </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">He will come again</span><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"> and gather His own sheep together to enjoy His incredible 1,000-year reign on this transformed earth. I hope to see you there!!!</span></p></li></ul></span><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-88151739564017292662023-11-01T08:30:00.004-05:002023-11-02T15:34:26.621-05:00HAMAS, ISRAEL and the UNSEEN WAR<p><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-59e4a3fa-7fff-c70c-141f-5e68eabfe8ea"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e433011b-7fff-0b04-c010-b35b9b072ba1" style="font-weight: normal;"> The United States government and the mainstream media work hard at keeping religion out of most everything. And in doing so, they have again missed the main issue of what is really going on in Israel with the Hamas’ war. On the surface it is presented that this is an issue of territory or race, but it is deeper and older than that. This unseen war, made visible at this moment with Hamas vs. Israel, is really between the “god of this world” (Satan) and the Lord Jehovah, and it started back in the Garden of Eden. We, as believers, must keep this in our mind. To correctly see and interpret present events we need to keep the main point the main point. And the main point is that God is fulfilling His purpose and the intense opposition to His purpose by the “principalities and powers” under the control of the Evil One. There are some theological basics that ought to be remembered as we think about current events. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God’s Original Plan.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Mankind was unique among God’s creation. God designed man to rule the earth and live in wonderful fellowship with Him. But even the most wonderful setting did not keep mankind from sinning and experiencing staggering losses. One was the loss of his position of ruling authority, which then shifted to Satan. God’s original plan was a beautiful one and one that God did not abandon. As Revelation 20-22 reveals, it will eventually be fulfilled, and even enhanced; a kind of Creation 2.0.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Fulfilling of God’s Plan.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> God’s way of restoring His original plan was to do so through mankind (“the seed of the woman,” Genesis 3:15). But more specifically it was to be through the man Abraham and his descendants, Isaac, and Jacob. God entered into an eternal, unconditional covenant with this man and through him restoration would take place. And from that moment on, the Jewish people became the hated target of Satan. This hatred for the Jewish people is an irrational hatred because it is Satanic. He knows that it is a descendant of Abraham that will crush him and remove him from his present role. Even though that descendant, Jesus of Nazareth, has come and sealed his fate, the Evil One will continue using individuals, nations, and groups to be his “useful idiots” in wreaking as much havoc and pain as possible. This time it is Hamas. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Satan’s Position.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Satan has attained authority over this world. Jesus and the Apostle Paul refer to him as the “god of this world” (John 12:13; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4), and the Apostle John adds that the “whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). He has immense power and great authority in his control of the nations. We recall that, in His temptations, Jesus never debated the Devil’s claim to own the nations of the world (Luke 4:1-14). And as Daniel 10 makes clear, demonic beings are assigned to nations and that would include groups like Hamas. Demons are fallen angels who carry out Satan’s purpose, as is seen in a great war described in Revelation 16:13-16, where they are involved in the killing of one-third of humanity during the Tribulation.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Satan’s Purpose.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> This world is Satan’s “system” which he has created to rival that of God’s kingdom. His system, of course, leaves the true God out. Satan is not opposed, at the present time, to religion as long as the true God is not included. Satan sells his “God-free” system as something attractive where Self has top priority. While not everything is raw evil in this system, it is nevertheless deadly to people, which is why believers are forcefully commanded not to love this world system (1 John 2:15-16). Satan’s system is quite flexible and can adapt to “nice” Americans or to “evil” terrorist groups. Whatever cultural form it takes, the purpose is the same; thwart God’s plan of restoration and reconciliation.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Satan’s Character. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Jesus was perfectly clear about Satan’s character when He said that he is a liar and that he simply cannot tell the truth (John 8:44). And, as Jesus noted, Satan is the “father” of those who lie. Along with Jesus’ description, John adds that the Devil is a deceiver (Rev. 12:9; 20:3, 8, 10). So, it ought not be a surprise to us when blatant lies and constant deception come from the mouths of those who hate God’s covenant people, Israel. Jesus also stated, in John 8, that Satan is a murderer. He hates human beings, but particularly those who are Jewish. Bloodshed always surrounds those who do the will of the Evil One. The horrible atrocities committed by Hamas in their surprise attack is an unmistakable sign as to the evil one behind it all.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Satan’s Forces.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Satan is the “prince of the demons” (Matt. 12:24) and he has a vast array of highly organized and powerful demonic beings under his authority (Eph. 6:11-12). And these demons act as the Devil’s assistants in promoting his agenda and in attempting to thwart the grand purpose of God. The various philosophies of Satan are the “doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1), the “deep things of Satan” as the church at Thyatira thought (Rev. 2:24). Some do not seem too bad on the surface, while others produce the kind of carnage and evil recently witnessed by the world. The Scriptures speak of their varied approach from “schemes” to “flaming missiles” (Eph. 6:10-17). But their purpose is the same and that is to promote Satan’s kingdom and resist God’s plan.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Satan’s Last Stand. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> As powerful as the forces of wickedness might be, their end is clear. When the final seven years of the Tribulation arrives, the “god of this world” will see his world system and his dreams of being like the true God crushed under the feet of Jesus Messiah. But Satan will have his last fling. Much to his dismay, he will be forcibly removed from the heavenlies by Michael and the holy angels (Rev. 12:7-12). This takes place at the mid-point of the seven years of the Tribulation. This inflames Satan’s hatred and his desire to destroy as well as his passionate desire to be worshiped. Using his two minions, the Antichrist and the False Prophet (Rev. 13), Satan will experience the worship of many people on this planet. Promising much, this evil trinity will bring nothing but heartache, fear, and death to mankind. Then, Jesus will appear in the heavens and return to this earth as the glorious, all-powerful King of kings and Lord of lords. Satan will be crushed and his fate is forever sealed; first in the Abyss for 1,000 years followed by eternity in the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19 and 20).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God’s Desire to Save.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> We often view the Tribulation as a time of judgment and death. And it certainly has those elements. But God really does not need 7 years to execute His judgment, as Sodom and Gomorrah can testify. But time is needed to save people. And the great and grand purpose of the coming Tribulation is to save the people of Israel. And these wayward chosen people will come to believe in Jesus as their Messiah-Savior. By the millions they will be saved. And then, as saved people, Israel will become that “light to the gentiles” which will result in millions being saved out of every tribe and nation on the earth (Rev. 7). The spiritual blindfold on the eyes of Israel will be removed and then “all Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:25-29) and God will bring His people into His “New Covenant” (Jer. 31:31-35). </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God’s Restored Plan.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> God’s wonderful plan for mankind, seen momentarily in the Garden of Eden, was lost from view. But Revelation 20-22 shows that this wonderful plan will be restored; and, actually enhanced. This is where we are headed. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hamas and Israel</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. Since there is no biblical description or prophecy of the current war, we cannot predict all the twists and turns. We do not know how many will die; what the level of destruction will be; what nations may or may not become involved; or what will be the fall-out in our own country. We will have to be like everyone else and just wait and see. But unlike so many, we do have a biblical framework in which to place this Hamas’ war. It is very likely that this Hamas war will put additional pieces in place for the biblical “Gog/Magog” war of Ezekiel 38-39. And as many now believe, this war will take place after the Rapture but before the Tribulation, during an interval of several months. Iran, Russia, and many Islamic nations will come against Israel with overwhelming armies, but will be annihilated by the God of Abraham. These nations will experience the end of God’s patience and Israel will begin to come to faith (Ezek. 39:22). </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God’s purposes will not be thwarted and His plans will not be delayed by a single minute. He is sovereign. He is all knowing. He is all-powerful. Psalm 2 gives us great insights about things present and future. Four points to particularly note: (1) The leaders of nations, and their people, hate the Lord God and they particularly hate His Anointed One, Jesus (2:1-3). (2) God the Father is unfazed by them and they are now going to be recipients of His righteous wrath (2:4-5). (3) The Father has already installed the Son as King in Zion. It is a done deal. (2:5). And (4) the Son will receive all the nations of the earth as His inheritance, and He will rule with a “rod of iron”, which means there is no place anymore for overt evil or terrorists like Hamas.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God’s grace is rich as is His mercy. He continues to offer His matchless gift of eternal life. He can do this because Jesus’ death on the cross completely took care of the sin issue. The God-man Jesus rose from the dead and obtained victory over Satan, sin, and death (Col. 2:13-15). Our prayer is that many in Israel today, who witness the horrors of the Hamas war, will turn in faith to Jesus Messiah and receive God’s great gift of eternal life. And that many in America will see the fraudulent nature of Liar-murderer Satan’s system and come to the Savior. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-27957708592443660272023-10-01T08:30:00.001-05:002023-10-01T08:30:00.139-05:005 MINUTES AFTER THE RAPTURE <p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-be93dc73-7fff-f00a-5b54-769229abe285"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d34c790f-7fff-d3eb-e059-6e6af37e3b4c" style="font-weight: normal;">If the Rapture of the church were to take place tomorrow morning at 10:30, the world would become a dramatically different place by 10:35. The Bible, of course, does not give detailed information about the exact situation at 10:35, but it does not leave us without an idea about what things will look like after the Rapture.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Rapture Event. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There are some basic facts we know about the Rapture event as the Apostle Paul discusses it in </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Thessalonians 4:13-18</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">1 Corinthians 15:51-53</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. First, everyone who has placed their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation will be taken up. There will be no believer from this church age, living or dead, who will be forgotten or left behind. All in the Church (regenerate people) will suddenly be transported to meet Jesus Christ in the air. Second, the Rapture is a sign-less and supernatural event. The Bible gives no signs indicating that the Rapture is about to take place. So 10:30 is possible. But when it happens, it will not be a silent event. The voices of Christ Himself and the Archangel will be heard, as well as a trumpet blast that will echo around the world. It is probable that unbelievers will be aware that something momentous and supernatural has taken place, though they might not be clear on just what that might be. The moment after the Rapture occurs, there will be no saved (regenerated) person on the earth.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The World’s Condition 5 Minutes After the Rapture</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. At 10:35 on the day of the Rapture, several things will undoubtedly be true. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Salvation of Many.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> As just noted, there is not one saved person left on the earth. But there will be hundreds of thousands who have heard the gospel prior to the 10:30 Rapture, but who never turned in faith to Jesus. Some have taught that if a person heard the gospel prior to 10:30 on the morning of the Rapture, they could not be saved later. This idea is based on</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. But a careful reading of Paul’s teaching shows that Paul is not talking about people who were simply exposed to the gospel. He is talking about those who have purposefully, willingly rejected it and instead embraced the deceptions and the evils of the Antichrist and false teachers. Paul uses the present tense to emphasize their persistent rejection of the “love of the truth that they might be saved” (2 Thes. 2:12) and their taking “pleasure in wickedness.” On the other hand, it is very probable that </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">many</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> people who have heard the gospel from Christians prior to the Rapture will be motivated to respond positively to that glorious gospel and be saved shortly after the Rapture.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Explosion of Evil.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> We look at our world today and we see the fermentation of evil everywhere. More and more, good is being called evil, and evil good. The raw wickedness that is emerging in our culture is causing some to compare western culture to Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet, today is just a foreshadowing of the explosion of evil that is going to begin at 10:35. The Holy Spirit’s ministry of the restraining of sin will be withdrawn from the earth (2 Thes. 2:6-7) when He takes the Church out of the world. Imagine if you can, what the United States will look like. As bad as our nation might be these days, we have the true church and we have morally sound Christians in government, in education, in the military and just everywhere in our towns and neighborhoods. These are resisting the evil that is growing so quickly. But imagine when those resisters of evil and promoters of good are suddenly removed at 10:30. Evil will indeed explode.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Shock and Confusion.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> There is always confusion and shock when a disaster occurs. Remember the terrible recent fires in Maui and in California, or the earthquakes and floods bringing death and deep trauma to thousands. And the closer one is to such events the greater the shock. So, when 400,000,000 people suddenly disappear with no trace, we can imagine the fear and uncertainty that will be present. (This number assumes that 5% of the world’s present population are truly born-again people). The Rapture is known (for a variety of reasons) by millions of unsaved people in the world. This sudden event will confront the world with a level of supernaturalism that will rock them to their core. Some will respond and seek Christ, others will not. But the confusion, fear and uncertainty will further prepare the world for a man who will promise to bring stability and peace to them. That man, of course, is the Antichrist. It all begins at 10:35.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">10:35 Will Begin Evangelism’s Greatest Time. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Many believers sincerely believe that when the Rapture takes place that unsaved relatives and friends are forever doomed to an eternity in the Lake of Fire. But that is not necessarily the case. Despite the terrors of the Tribulation, judgment is not the main reason for that period. If judgment was all God wanted to do, then he could do it in 7 minutes (such as with Sodom and Gomorrah). He would not need 7 years but could get His point across much quicker. But the saving of people is God’s great purpose and salvation does take some time. The gospel must be proclaimed and people hear it and then choose to respond to Jesus Christ, or not.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Saving Israel.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> In His covenant promises to Abraham (and Abraham’s descendants) God declared that He would bring Israel into the New Covenant, which is the covenant dealing with salvation and the forgiveness of sins. In all the centuries since Jesus came the first time and died on the Cross, the nation of Israel has never turned to Him. However, Jesus was abundantly clear when He declared that He would not return to the earth again (the 2</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">nd</span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Coming) until Israel turned to Him in faith (Matt. 23:39). Saving Israel is God’s first and primary order of business in the Tribulation. Romans 11 reveals that it does happen.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in: and thus, ALL ISRAEL will be saved; just as it is written, ‘The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob. ‘And this is My covenant with them, when I take away their sins.’” Romans 11:25-27</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Israel begins the Tribulation as an unbelieving nation, but that rapidly begins to change, probably as the 144,000 Jewish evangelists begin to make an impact. Jesus noted that half way through the Tribulation Israel would begin to be persecuted “on account of My name” (Matt. 24:9). Now Israel has been and continues to be persecuted by the gentile nations, but not because she has identified with Jesus Christ! The 144,000 (Rev. 7) along with the “two witnesses” (Rev. 11) apparently have a huge impact on the nation of Israel, so that by the end of the Tribulation “all” Israel has come to faith in Christ. With the salvation of Israel, the Great King Jesus can now return. But before He does there are many more that need saving. This will be the ultimate fulfillment of Genesis 12:3---“in you all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(2) Saving gentiles</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. In the Old Testament, it was always God’s plan to reach the gentile nations through Israel. The Israelites were to be a light to the gentiles. Unfortunately, Israel behaved badly and rarely was that light bringing the knowledge of the Lord Jehovah to the nations. But that changes dramatically in the Tribulation. They will be a beacon light in that terribly dark time. According to </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Revelation 7:9-14</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, millions upon millions from every nation will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus. It is important to observe that these people (of Revelation 7) were saved </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">during the Tribulation period</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and are not the saved of all the ages. And while they will die for their faith, the number of them runs in the millions. This shows the great saving power of God in those days.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A Final Thought. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While we may not know a lot of details about what happens after 10:30, we do know the world will be different at 10:35 as the Lord God inaugurates His plan to bring in the future aspect of the Kingdom of God. Until 10:30, we believers in Jesus ought to live for Him with energy and excellence and adjust our living so we can do so. In Hebrews 3 and 4, the author placed great emphasis on “today.” His point to the recipients of the message was that they must not procrastinate on vital spiritual matters. They must not delay making the necessary adjustments and changes in their lives as believers. Sometimes our intentions for making needed changes are good ones, but we put off doing it “today.” For example, we vow to become more disciplined in our devotional lives or be bolder in public in representing Jesus Christ. But “today” is replaced by tomorrow or next week. Obviously, a 10:30 Rapture tomorrow morning will negate that plan to make changes next weekend. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-66339988736928881702023-09-01T08:30:00.001-05:002023-09-01T08:30:00.146-05:00PSALM 83 and THE NEXT PROPHETIC BATTLE<p><br /></p><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-7c170314-7fff-4e36-f721-551144e6be59"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-4f09eb0c-7fff-b8d8-9ce7-95293bdc9bd8"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Psalm 83 has been a focus for some prophetic teachers who claim that there will be a future battle that will take place before the Gog-Magog battle, near the time of the Rapture. Psalm 83 has been presented as evidence that the end times will begin very soon. It is good for us to review this Psalm because it comes up frequently in sermons and on the internet. The chart illustrates the position.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ac9c5644-7fff-5a64-2234-6eeaa4dc288d"> </span> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTCpGeTSshvBM-xwRq9LIoq5uyw8mbZKcbOId5gVY9KQAnm-tttt6cLd0SOd4qxhVmx7worKRQgILnAx97dcrMvsEyTdnOaO5FOdf2fGoxvPMV6tGOuXNOjMjslSxoHU74MiyxSfvUF75Lt7U-J6CagkjPtImUYNO1i3Rf8STtZLRWrctAIHCTwx_usD7u" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="1018" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTCpGeTSshvBM-xwRq9LIoq5uyw8mbZKcbOId5gVY9KQAnm-tttt6cLd0SOd4qxhVmx7worKRQgILnAx97dcrMvsEyTdnOaO5FOdf2fGoxvPMV6tGOuXNOjMjslSxoHU74MiyxSfvUF75Lt7U-J6CagkjPtImUYNO1i3Rf8STtZLRWrctAIHCTwx_usD7u=w531-h156" width="531" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Basic Idea of Psalm 83</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> In Psalm 83, ten peoples are mentioned which align themselves against Israel, and declare that they will “wipe out” Israel as a nation and that “the name of Israel will be remembered no more” (Psa. 83:4). In this Psalm, the author Asaph asks God to show His strength and thoroughly defeat these enemies of Israel. Asaph points out that Judah is in a terrible situation as the hatred for Israel is intense and God needs to intervene. In the past, God has brought about some tremendous victories on behalf of Israel and He needs to do so again.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Basic Idea of Psalm 83 Being a Still Future Battle</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Those who see this Psalm as prophetic, see it as speaking of a future battle just before the well-known “Gog-Magog” war. First, they note that the hateful attitude found in Psalm 83 is exactly what is seen today in the middle-east. The constant cry today from Israel’s enemies is to “drive Israel into the sea” and it is said this shows that the Psalm 83 battle is probably quite close. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Second, they also state that the author of the Psalm, Asaph, is called a “seer” (prophet) in 2 Chronicles 29:30 which would qualify this psalm as prophetic, and one that has yet to be fulfilled. This psalm is part of the ministry of the prophet Asaph.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Third, concerning the alignment of the ten peoples/nations, it is stated that this alignment never has had a historical fulfillment, and so must await a coming day. The idea is that this battle of the Ten versus Israel is imminent and will occur just before the Gog-Magog battle (discussed in Ezekiel 38-39). In Psalm 83, God is asked to thoroughly defeat this group of enemies, something God will do, thus giving Israel a time of peace. This is the peace that is mentioned as Israel’s condition in Ezekiel 39:8 and 11. However, this newly achieved peace will be short lived as the defeated Arab nations will call on Russia and Islamic nations to come and destroy Israel, which then triggers the Gog-Magog battle. No dogmatic position is taken on the timing of the battle, but it is viewed as near the Rapture and therefore “soon”.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Alignment of the Ten in Psalm 83:6-8</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -100.8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (1) EDOM </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">- Jordan (southern part) </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(6) AMMON – </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jordan (northern part)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (2) ISHMAELITES </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">- Father of Arabs </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(7) AMALEK – </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Sinai area (Egypt)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -100.8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (3) MOAB </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">- Jordan (central part) </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(8) PHILISTIA – </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Gaza area</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -100.8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (4) HAGRITES </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">– Egypt </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(9) TYRE - </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Lebanon</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -100.8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> (5) GEBAL </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">– Lebanon </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">(1O) ASSYRIA – </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Parts of Iraq & Syria </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -100.8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> While it is always challenging to line up the ancient names with the modern</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: -100.8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">boundaries, the above list generally gives the areas involved with the alignment of the Ten. Whether it was in O. T. times or today, these same groups have had an “everlasting” animosity towards the people of Israel.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Is Psalm 83 a Prophecy or Not?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> In evaluating Psalm 83 as a prophecy of a future battle, several points can be made. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">First</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, it seems accurate to conclude that there is no OT historical fulfillment of such a battle. As Dr. Merrill Unger states: “there is no such comprehensive anti-Israel alliance…mentioned in the OT.” (</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Unger’s Commentary</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">on the Old Testament</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, p. 867). That these nations were the subject of coming judgment is found often in the OT prophets, but not packaged as they are here. So, Unger is likely correct that there is no historical fulfillment when this group of Ten was defeated.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Second, in evaluating Psalm 83, it should be noted that a deep hatred for Israel is hardly a new thing. This same spirit predominated the wars in 1948, 1967 and all the rest of the Arab-Israeli conflicts. This hatred is found frequently in the Prophets. For example, Ezekiel says that the descendants of Ishmael and Esau have an “everlasting enmity” against Israel (Ezek. 35:5), and that because of their anger and envy they will attempt to take Israel’s land through violence and bloodshed (35:10-12; 36:5). Ezekiel sounds very 2023. The fact that this antagonism is “everlasting” lets us know that this attitude is not going away any time soon. However, it will end at the return of King Jesus. Then all the rebellious gentile nations will be judged severely (Psa. 2), including those mentioned in Psalm 83. But because Psalm 83 speaks of a hatred for Israel does not automatically put this psalm into life in the middle-east in 2023.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Third</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, the critical issue is whether Psalm 83 is really a prophecy at all. This, of course, goes to the heart of the matter. Psalm 83 is a “lament psalm”, one of many in the Psalter. A lament psalm centers on the sad situation that the psalmist sees and contains a request for God to do something about it. Lament psalms always include a statement of trust in the Lord. Psalm 83 contains all these elements. Asaph complains to the Lord that Judah is in a sad situation and there is hatred for Israel and a desire to do them harm. Asaph asks God to deal with this situation, which is typical of a “lament psalm.” But what this Psalm </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">does not include</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> are the tell-tale phrases such as “in the latter days'', or “in that day”, which would immediately point to a prophetic element. There is a request for God to deal severely with these peoples, but it is not framed as a prophecy. For example, it does not say that “in the last days Jehovah will judge these people''. Now it is pointed out that Asaph is called a “seer”; that is a prophet. While that is what 2 Chronicles states, this does not automatically mean that the psalms of Asaph were prophecies or contained prophetic elements. In fact, it is hard to locate that element in his writings. Isaiah, Jeremiah and others are all seen as prophets, but not everything they wrote was prophetic. Much of what they wrote were exhortations to obey the Lord and return to keeping the Law. When they spoke prophetically, it was very clear that the matters being spoken of were indeed prophecies. Psalm 83 simply lacks that kind of clarity. And these facts point to Psalm 83 as not being prophetic.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">fourth </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">observation has to do with what this view has spawned, which is date setting and colorful prophetic speculations. Preachers and teachers, using Psalm 83, speak of this battle taking place “soon” and often state that it will most likely take place during this calendar year. While spectacular interpretations garner a lot of attention, they also diminish biblical prophecy when such events do not take place. A lack of solid exegesis of the text of scripture almost always produces this phenomenon. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fifth,</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> the case for Psalm 83 being the forerunner of the Gog-Magog battle is built on the point that </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Israel needs to have a time of peace</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> for the setting to be right for the Gog-Magog battle. Psalm 83 is said to be that which produces that needed moment of peace. But is that true? Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum has a significant contribution to make about the word “securely” found in Ezekiel 39:8. He notes that the Hebrew word </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">batach</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> means “security”. “This is not the security due to a state of peace, but a security due to confidence in their own strength.” (</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Footsteps of the Messiah”, </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">p. 121). Therefore, the need for “peace” in Israel for Gog-Magog to take place is not what is required by the Ezekiel text. And this would remove the need for a preliminary battle of some sort.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Sixth,</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> for those who insist that this is a prophecy, there is something else to consider. And that something is Israel’s 1967 war. Michael Oren in his excellent book “</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Six Days of War</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">”, speaks of the tremendous impact that this short war had on the world. He stated, “Rarely in modern times has such a short and localized conflict had such prolonged, global consequences.” (Oren, xii). This war made the modern Middle East what it is today. In the first days of that war, various Arab leaders were once again making their intentions clear. “Our goal is clear---to wipe Israel off the face of the map. We will, God willing, meet in Tel Aviv and Haifa.” “We have decided that this battle will be one for the final liberation from imperialism and Zionism…We shall meet in Tel Aviv.” (Oren, p. 164, 195)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In great detail, Michael Oren chronicles both the participation and military movements of Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and even Saudi Arabia and Yemen. In other words, all the people mentioned in Psalm 83 are covered geographically in the 1967 war. The 1967 war did indeed help prepare for end time events. For those who teach that Psalm 83 speaks of a future conflict, perhaps they should consider that the war has already taken place and it is not a future war. Ultimately, all those who hate Israel will be dealt with when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to this earth. This will take place at the end of the coming 7-year period of Tribulation and then that “everlasting” hatred for Israel will end. Asaph’s request will be answered.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Concluding Thoughts</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Because of the lack of compelling textual evidence that Psalm 83 itself is prophetic, it would seem best to not view it as the prophecy of some battle that has not yet taken place. The evidence that Psalm 83 is prophesying a coming battle and that this battle prepares the world for the Gog-Magog battle is very weak. It is best to view it as a lament psalm which asks the Lord God to intervene and to deliver them from a difficult situation, which He ultimately will do.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And while we applaud those who take biblical prophecy seriously and teach it, we should be a little concerned with those who are declaring boldly that Psalm 83 will be fulfilled “soon”, or that it is in this calendar year that it will come to pass. What if the year 2026 or 2031 comes around and Psalm 83 is still not “fulfilled”? It would diminish biblical prophecy in the minds of a multitude of people, Christian and non-Christian alike. The view that biblical prophecy is “irrelevant” or “nonsense” would once again be reinforced. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-78541456106252927082023-08-01T08:30:00.001-05:002023-08-01T08:30:00.144-05:00ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, COMPUTER CHIPS AND THE END TIMES<p><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e7bd8045-7fff-e0f5-8073-e23acdd3c1e5"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d7157a80-7fff-2b5f-5148-3fe6171ae80b" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">As his prophetic book concluded, Daniel was informed by a majestic angel that at the end of time “knowledge shall increase” (Dan. 12:4). The exact details of this explosion of knowledge in the end times were not given by the angel. What we do know is that, as time goes by, information is expanding at a rate that no one can keep up with it. A technically informed person recently said that around the time of World War 2, knowledge doubled about every 25 years; and now, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) it doubles every 12 hours. While it is hard to confirm or deny this, it is nevertheless clear to everyone that knowledge is increasing at a speed that the average person simply cannot grasp. There has never been a time like this in all of human history. Mankind is entering new territory.</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Artificial Intelligence---Amazing and Frightening. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">AI is seen today as a great boon to mankind, but warnings are also being heard from those who understand AI. The warning is that there is a very real danger with this amazing technology. AI has been around for decades and its presence is widely experienced. Today, AI can think far faster than people can and are able to “learn”, coming up with things than humans never thought of. Mankind benefits today with AI changing business approaches, making medical breakthroughs, processing language, countering cyber-crime, making self-driving vehicles, advancing image recognition and so many more innovations. But numerous individuals, such as Dr. Geoffrey Hinton (the “godfather of AI”), are now issuing warnings about AI. They point out that digital intelligence is rapidly becoming better than our biological intelligence, and the potential is there that it will soon pass and take over human intelligence. The concern is that there is no present solution to steer or control AI if a system goes rogue. Some say that mankind has just a few years (with 2030 as the outside limit) to figure this out. The fear is that AI will begin to control human society through such things as disinformation, controlling access to resources and opportunities, and powerful new weapons. And while it might be nice to have our AI coffee maker brew our coffee consistently the way we like it, the harsh reality is that it is likely in the future that AI may become far more malevolent. It is being said that the one who controls AI, controls the world. In some ways, it is like the internet, which has brought some wonderful realities into our lives, while at the same time bringing terrible fraud, immorality and criminality into our lives. There is a growing concern among those in the know about AI that the next few years will bring irreversible damage to humankind. What is clear is that the world is going to change dramatically in the very near future. Apparently, man won’t have to wait too long for this. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Satan’s Coming Wonders and Deceptions. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Does all of this impact the future as laid out in the Scriptures? Satan’s miraculous demonstrations and breathtaking deceptions during the Tribulation are beyond dispute. Jesus declared that “false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">great signs and wonders, </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” (Matt. 24:24). In this succinct statement, two basic facts are given. First, these signs and wonders are “great”. Jesus, who infrequently used descriptive words like this, was indicating that these supernatural acts are far beyond Satan’s usual activities. It will be a unique time. The second fact is that they will be very deceptive, so that even God’s elect would be fooled by them (if they were not protected by the Lord). It is highly likely that this indicates that these miraculous acts will closely resemble the kinds of miracles that Jesus Himself performed during His earthly ministry. Disinformation of some kind.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Apostles agree with Jesus’ statement. Paul, in speaking of the Antichrist, says that his satanic connection is clear (2 Thess. 2:9-10). Antichrist “with </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">all power</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">and signs and false wonders</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, and with all the deception of wickedness” will execute Satan’s program. Several words to observe. “All power” is granted to the Antichrist which strongly suggests that God is going to allow certain satanic miracles that are unprecedented to take place. In other words, this will be a unique period of previously unseen satanic supernaturalism. Another word to note is “false” wonders. This does not mean that these are tricks or some kind of sleight-of-hand. These are genuine miracles that lead into that which is false; something Jesus saw coming.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Another apostle, John, declared that “the dragon (Satan) gave him (Antichrist) his </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">power</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and his throne and great authority” (Rev, 13:2). Again, the Scriptures declare that immense satanic power is given to the Antichrist. Whatever God is going to allow Satan to do, will be passed along to Satan’s two key minions, the Antichrist and the False Prophet. John is the first and only one to reveal the end time individual known as the “false prophet” (Rev. 13:11-18; 20:10). He is a religious figure that will receive miraculous powers. His amazing activities are revealed by the apostle John.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast (Antichrist), telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. And there was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast might even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.” (Revelation 13:14-15).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This unique portion of scripture unveils an end of days phenomenon; that of an animated “image” of the Antichrist. Clearly demonic deception and empowerment is seen. Ten times in this final section of Revelation, this strange, but deadly, image is mentioned, which will plague the world during the second half of the Tribulation. The image has the ability to know who does not worship the Antichrist and will then put them to death. It is the False Prophet that brings the image to life. How he does this is not detailed by John. However, the kind of worldwide activity and control that is described opens up the possibility of the use and involvement of Artificial Intelligence. This sounds so “science fiction”, but this strange image is scriptural fact.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Revelation 13 also reveals that the False Prophet is the one who will institute the well-known “666”, the mark of the beast. It will be something that is placed on individuals which will allow them to buy and sell, and apparently will also be important in the worshiping of the Antichrist. This has caused many to suggest that computer chips may be used. It does seem that Satan, the Antichrist and the False Prophet could well use this technology for their deceptive and evil purposes. In the future, however, it may turn out that technology has gone far beyond computer chips embedded in or on people to things yet unknown.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">God’s Tribulation Activity.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> At this point, there needs to be some clarity given. God will not need to employ advanced technology to accomplish His purposes in the Tribulation period, and likely will not use it. One of the major challenges for those who interpret biblical prophecy is to keep separate </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“what”</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> God is going to do, from </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“how”</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> He is going to do it. The interpreter must always keep in mind that the emphasis of scripture is on </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">what</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> God will do. And the interpreter must remember that God’s primary purpose of this end time period of Tribulation is to bring Israel, and then many gentiles, to faith in Himself. To do that, </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">it is His hand that must be clearly seen</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. As an example: when 1/3 of the earth is seen being burned up (Rev. 8:7), the interpreter must resist the temptation to say that it is nuclear war that is in view. When this (and other activities) take place, we really do not know “how” God will do it. But those experiencing 1/3 of the earth being burned will know that it is God that is doing it, and not some crazed leader of North Korea or Iran. Remember, if God had chosen to bring this age to an end in 1723 or 1823, when modern technology did not exist, He somehow would have managed to fulfill exactly all that which Revelation talks about. And the interpreter ought to be aware that should the Lord put off the end times for another 50 years, we probably cannot imagine where man’s technology will be. Therefore, we need to take care about saying “this is how God will do it.” It would seem that God does not need computer chips and artificial intelligence to accomplish His goals of saving multitudes of people and judging sinful men and nations. When the end times come, mankind will curse God (cf. Rev. 16:9, 11, 21) but will come away knowing that the Sovereign God controls this universe. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Our Response. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We can be absolutely sure that the Lord our God will accomplish everything that He said He would do. He will save multitudes of people. He will shepherd His people into the rich blessings of Jesus’ kingdom. He who is far smarter than any artificial intelligence, can be counted on to fulfill every promise to His own. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Our response today must be on serving Him faithfully in whatever place He has put us. We don’t know the exact future of all this technology, but we do know the One who is greater than AI. Fearing the future is not a biblical option for the followers of Jesus Christ. His plan is precise and His program will be fulfilled to His glory, and to the benefit of His people. Our culture might worship technology, but we worship the One who is greater than any technology that the creature can construct.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-81240721963923236832023-07-01T08:30:00.001-05:002023-07-01T08:30:00.147-05:00HOPE and HOPELESSNESS<span id="docs-internal-guid-a9600c46-7fff-5b52-2d65-bac89c753cc6"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hope and hopelessness are polar opposites and both are present in our world. Every person will basically be living their life in one of these two places.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Hopelessness of Our Culture. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If recent studies and reports are to be believed, depression and hopelessness are growing at a very noticeable rate in America. Life is losing its sparkle for many. And the suicide rate is going up. For many, including a growing number of younger people, life is being viewed as one bad cosmic joke. They have tried most everything that is advertised to bring happiness, peace and contentment. But, aside from a fleeting rush of adrenalin, what is advertised never really results. In fact, the results are grossly deficient. Centuries ago, billionaire King Solomon tried everything that money could buy: pleasure, education, wealth and even lots of work projects. But he discovered that these were just mirages on the desert of life. He likened his pursuit of those things to that of attempting to grab hold of the wind; a rather useless activity. It was rather depressing, but nevertheless a reality. Most in our culture today don’t know of Solomon’s conclusions as he recorded them in the O.T. book of Ecclesiastes. However, they do personally experience exactly what he was talking about. Our culture, in spite of some bursts of bravado, is quickly sinking into hopelessness. And if we just give it a little thought (and watch the multitude of advertisements on TV), what does the culture really offer people?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Hope Possessed by the Follower of Jesus Christ. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For the person who has placed their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, there is great hope. In fact, “great” hardly does justice to the reality of it. But what is “hope”? We need to be clear on what the Bible means when it speaks of “hope”. The Bible often uses the term, but here we want to look at the verse where the Apostle Paul spoke of “looking for the blessed hope” (Titus 2:13). “Hope” is not wishful thinking; such as, “I hope I can go hiking tomorrow” when lying in traction in the hospital with two broken legs; or, “I hope to have a gourmet meal tonight” when it is “mac and cheese” cooking on the stove. Biblical “hope” is best defined as a “confident expectation.” It is a happy anticipation of future events that </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">will be experienced</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. They will be experienced simply because it is based on the promise and power of our great God, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But this is also declared to be the </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">blessed</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> hope. The word “blessed” is the Greek word </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">markarios, </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">which was used by the Lord Jesus in the “beatitudes'' in His Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1-12). This word communicates the concepts of “contentment”, “happiness”, “fulfillment”, “richness” and “prosperity.” In the future, at the return of the Lord Jesus, these will characterize our lives. Beginning with the Rapture event, everything God originally intended in the Garden of Eden to be true for human beings will be our experience. In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul spoke of the “hope of salvation”; that is, the final deliverance of believers, which will take place at the Rapture immediately before the Tribulation. Then at the Second Coming, the eternal rule of God is established: first the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Messiah, and then the eternal phase of the kingdom on the new earth (Rev. 21:1). For believers in Jesus Christ, the “blessed hope” begins at the Rapture event, and many matters are part of the “blessed hope”, including the following ones.</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE RECEIVING OF NEW BODIES. The fragility and decline of our present bodies is an inconvenient truth that we all have to deal with, especially as the years go by. Disease, deformity and ultimately physical death are unpleasant realities. But that will change suddenly and supernaturally at the Rapture when “in an atom of time” (</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Gr. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">en atomo</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">) </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">(1 Cor. 15:51-52), Jesus will change these “vile bodies” like unto “His glorious body” (Phil. 3:21). No more will we have the unwanted prospect of death, or the anguish of disease. We will have bodies that will live forever in beauty and strength. Now, that is something that certainly fits into the category of “blessed”; does it not?</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE REMOVAL OF THE “FLESH” (the sin nature). Believers who desire to live godly for Christ, are irritated daily by their sinning. It gets frustrating and often demoralizing to keep doing things and thinking things which are sinful. But all that will change when we are freed from the presence and power of sin (Rom. 6 and 7). To live without the presence of the flesh and, therefore, always live in the ways and will of God will be a “blessed” relief. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE DOMINANCE OF JOY. In life today, joy is a scarce commodity. We might have a brief moment or two of joy, but it quickly evaporates in the heat of life’s trials and troubles. Joy is a condition of pure delight that is going to characterize Jesus’ kingdom rule, as He will be anointed with the “oil of gladness” (Heb. 1:9). As Jesus faced the crucifixion, He looked beyond the cross to “the joy set before Him” (Heb. 12:2), which was His kingdom rule over those He had redeemed. Life in the future kingdom will be continuous “pure delight”. Jesus invited His faithful servants to “begin to experience” His joy in the kingdom (Matt. 25:21, 23). This “pure delight” was seen by the prophets as one of the dominant characteristics of this coming messianic age (e.g. Isa. 35:6, 10; 60:15; 61:7). Nothing in our culture can produce this joy, in spite of the slick advertising that would try and tell us otherwise. Constant joy. What a blessed hope this is.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">A LIFE WITH MEANING AND CONTENTMENT. In the original creation, God gave to Adam and Eve meaningful activity along with the challenge to subdue their environment (“scientific” discovery and application). There is much we do not know about God’s future kingdom, but it is clear that life then will also be filled with meaningful activity, since “His bondservants shall serve Him” (Rev. 22:7). With human kings and nations present, we can imagine the immense variety of responsibilities and activities for God’s people. (Rev. 21:24). We will not be bored with life. Work and activities will bring great satisfaction and meaning to our lives.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">A PURE, UNHINDERED RELATION WITH OUR GOD. This kind of relationship has only vaguely been experienced in this life. We do have moments of wonderful worship of our Creator-Savior, but that is another thing that can quickly evaporate in the presence of the world and the flesh. But the world, the flesh and the devil do not exist in the future forever kingdom of God. God Himself is going to dwell with us and we will see His face (Rev. 21:3; 22:4). Remember those wonderful moments of fellowship and worship? Those will be permanent realities once Jesus’ glorious return takes place. Life as God originally intended for mankind, back in Eden, will become an eternal reality; a “blessed hope.”</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">THE KINGDOM WILL BE CHARACTERIZED BY RIGHTEOUSNESS. It is likely that you, along with many others, are disgusted and angered by the level of corruption and injustice that exists in human government, including our own. It really has become true that evil is called good, and good is called evil. It is true that guilty people walk free, while many who are not guilty are punished. This continues to be a growing reality in our world. However, no such thing will be true in the rule of King Jesus. “Justice and righteousness” will characterize His rule (Isa. 9:7; 11:4-5), and in the time of the eternal kingdom (2 Pet. 3:13). Evil doers in Messiah’s kingdom face immediate judgment, as Jesus rules with a “rod of iron” (Psa. 2:9). We will be freed from the oppressive corruption of man’s kingdoms and will operate in a kingdom of pure righteousness. This too is part of our “blessed hope.”</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There is so much more that could be included in our “blessed hope.” As followers of Jesus Christ, we stand apart from our hopeless culture. It is totally His grace and goodness that gives us this confident expectation of the future. And it all begins at the return in glory of the Savior. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hope Lived Out in Our lives. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The book of Hebrews states that Jesus faced the Cross which was not a joyful prospect to Him. But Jesus looked beyond the Cross to the time of great glory, joy, peace and righteousness. This kingdom would certainly come to pass, because God’s promises and power guaranteed it. Jesus modeled life for us, as He looked beyond the present cross to the future kingdom. We need to apply this lesson of looking beyond present troubles and focusing on our “blessed hope.” Our lives now are not suddenly going to become carefree and joyful. Life is hard. But shouldn’t we be very different from the growing trend of hopelessness in our culture? It is true that we can easily be infected by the culture. But our focus is not to be on the latest travesties taking place in Washington D.C. or the terrible perversities emerging in the public school. (These are significant and need to be resisted within the means provided in our rule of law). But they should not become the focus of life. The Scriptures, however, call for us to focus on Jesus and on our “blessed hope.”</span></p></span><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-59376323436023306492023-06-01T08:30:00.001-05:002023-06-01T08:30:00.161-05:00GOOD PROPHETIC TEACHING and BAD PROPHETIC SPECULATING<span id="docs-internal-guid-01404b51-7fff-56db-b771-32c90f814390"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Biblical prophecy is an essential factor in living godly lives in an ungodly world, which is why Jesus and the N.T. writers wove prophetic themes throughout their teachings. These give believers that much needed “two-world” view (living in this world with an eye on the world to come). But prophetic teachers and their teachings have a vulnerability, and that is the ease into which speculations become part of the teaching. Perhaps it is done to make their teaching more exciting or relevant. For example, the Rapture is an imminent event for which no “signs” are given in Scripture. So, when a preacher has a sermon with the title “Three Signs that the Rapture is Soon,” he has just ventured onto extremely thin ice biblically. He might point to the explosion of evil or to various happenings in nature. But things like earthquakes, famines, and wars or upswings of evil, are not signs of the Lord’s coming for His church. These have been present in all of human history. (Christ mentioned them in His prophetic discourse and the Revelation gives much detail, but </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">they take place during the 7-year Tribulation</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since prophecy is about the future and has not happened yet, it is more difficult to prove prophetic speculations to be in error. Months later when the speculations have not come to pass, most have forgotten what the prophecy teacher has said, giving him leeway to speculate some more. However, the church does have the Scriptures and believers are to use them in carefully evaluating prophetic statements. This is not a new issue, as the early church faced it as well. A look at </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Thessalonians 2:1-12</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> might be helpful. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Believers in the first century church.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The followers of Jesus at Thessalonica were being persecuted for their faith. The Apostle Paul assured them that the Lord Jesus was fully aware of their afflictions and one day Jesus would come in power and glory and execute a severe judgment on the persecutors. They had the power now, but the tables would be turned and their judgment would be great (2 Thess. 1:5-12). But this situation of persecution opened them up to some false prophetic teaching. So, the Apostle penned some truths previously given, along with some new information about the future. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rapture of the church – 2 Thessalonians 2:1.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> He said, “keeping in mind truth about our gathering to the Lord” (the Rapture), let us go over some facts about “the day of the Lord”. The “day of the Lord” is used some 70 times in the O.T. to speak of that period in the future when God will uniquely enter the affairs of mankind. It often refers to the terrible days of the Tribulation, and sometimes includes the millennial kingdom. So, the “day of the Lord” is a period of slightly more than 1,000 years. These believers were in a terrible time of persecution and some alleged prophetic teachings from three sources (2:2) was that they had entered the “day of the Lord.” This, of course, meant that the rapture event did not take place before the Tribulation; something which Paul was clear about in 1 Thess. 1:10; 4:13-17; 5:9). Or maybe, they missed the rapture. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Appeal to be calm and not agitated – 2:2</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Their reaction to the idea that there was no imminent rapture and that they were going to experience the “wrath of God,” caused fear and anxiety in these new believers. Erroneous prophetic teaching had quickly brought distress to them. Paul told them to calm down and to listen carefully to his apostolic instruction. Generally, erroneous prophetic speculations do result in negative responses coming into the lives of God’s people. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The distorted prophetic teaching and the answer to it 2:2-4</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The authoritative claims made by the false teachers came through (1) “spirit” (a claim to divine revelation of some sort); (2) a message (some teachers’ sermon); and (3) a letter (a letter claiming to come from Paul himself). From these three sources they were being taught that the Tribulation period had already begun, which Paul calls “deceptive” teaching (2:2). It negated Paul’s previous instructions (2:5) where he had clearly taught that the church will be taken out of the world before the Tribulation and, therefore, will not experience God’s coming wrath in the “day of the Lord”. It can be shown that God’s wrath is found throughout the entire 7-year period (1 Thess. 1:10 and 5:9) which shows that the church is removed prior to the start of the Tribulation. Paul then explained that two distinct but related events are at the start of the Tribulation (“day of the Lord”), and neither of these had taken place, showing the false nature of the prophetic teaching that had come their way. The first event is the uniquely terrible falling away (apostasy) from the truth of God within the church itself. He uses the definite article (THE apostasy) which speaks of the well-known, specific, spiritual rebellion within the church at the end of times (1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Jude; 2 Pet. 2; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). The term “apostasy” is used throughout the Bible of sinful revolt against God. And while the church has always had to deal with false teachers and their false teachings, this rebellion against God and His truth will be so very unique in its breadth and depth. The second event which takes place at the very start of the 7-years of Tribulation is the revealing of the Antichrist. His unveiling as the Antichrist indicates that the “day of the Lord” had begun. The word “revealed” is placed in an emphatic position in the text by Paul, and looks at a very specific moment when this will happen. And we know when it is and what it is that reveals this man as Antichrist. According to Daniel 9:27, it is when this man, as a ruler of a western nation, enters into a covenant with the leaders of the nation of Israel, which will guarantee Israel’s peace and safety. That covenant signing starts the “day of the Lord.” And that obviously had not taken place in the first century. So, the teaching given to these Thessalonian believers that they were already in the “day of the Lord” itself was clearly false. The prophetic speculation was in error and the Word of God revealed that error. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Paul added three descriptions of this man. He is: (1) a man characterized by sin (lawless as regards the laws of God); (2) the “son of perdition” revealing his final, eternal doom, as Paul noted in 1:9; and (3) one who is an “adversary” of God and Christ. He will even sit in the holy place within God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be deity. No such individual had appeared in the first century. The world now waits for the rebuilding of the Temple of God in Jerusalem, which is necessary for this event to take place. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The restraining of lawlessness – 2:6-7.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God alone can put a lid on sin and on these final great manifestations of evil. While Satan is referred to as the “god of this world,” he cannot do whatever he wants. God has the ultimate authority over all creatures. God’s “holding back” of sin is presently going on. We can only imagine what it will be like when there is no restraint on sin and evil. But the day is coming when this restraint of sin will be removed (2:7) because the Restrainer (“he” = the Holy Spirit) will take Himself out of the restraining business. When that happens, sequentially, it is “then” that the Antichrist will be revealed. So first, the restraining of sin is gone and then the Antichrist will be unveiled. The Holy Spirit’s work of restraining sin will be gone. This points to the removal of the church. The church, even with its flaws and inadequacies, is a significant deterrent to lawlessness in this world. The Spirit uses the church to restrain evil in this world and with the church gone, that restraint is also gone. Now, we must not make the mistake of saying that the Holy Spirit is taken out of the world. It is the work of restraining sin that is gone. It is impossible for the Spirit to be removed out of the world because He is an omnipresent person. Also, His ongoing ministry of regenerating people is required for the millions of people to be saved during the period of the Tribulation.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The short but deadly career of the Lawless one (the Antichrist) – 2:8-12.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Apostle then added some truths about the Antichrist which also shows that this key figure was not then present, and therefore, the “day of the Lord” had not come. In summary, here are the key points that Paul made.</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HIS VERY SHORT CAREER WILL BE ENDED BY JESUS HIMSELF. After the Antichrist is revealed, he will be the key figure on the world’s stage for 7 years, with 3½ years of which he is ruler of the world (Rev. 13:5). When Jesus appears (2:8) at His 2</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">nd</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Coming, the Antichrist will be thoroughly defeated and will be taken alive and placed into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:19-21). Not a lengthy reign.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HE HAS AMAZING SUPERNATURAL ABILITIES. His ability to work miracles will be Christ-like, but he will lead people into that which is false. His abilities come from Satan himself, with whom he is intimately associated. His ability to deceive will be something that has never ever been seen before (Rev. 13:2-7; Matt. 24:24). He will have “power” (which comes from Satan); “signs” (to show that he is messiah); and “wonders” (which cause awe in people). Never before has God allowed such a display of miracles that seem to validate sin and evil.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HIS INFLUENCE OVER THE UNSAVED. He spearheads the battle for the souls of men. All people will hear the gospel (Matt. 24:14), but those who will not accept God’s offer of eternal life will easily fall victim to the deceptions of this man. The result will be eternally catastrophic as God then allows them to be deluded (2:11-12). They heard and understood the truth of God, but preferred the pleasures of unrighteousness. These people crossed the spiritual line of no return and their temporary pleasures would soon be replaced by eternal anguish.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reminders for us today.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (1) God has given everything that we are to know about future persons and events. He did not leave out some needed information. But we need to become more understanding of what He has revealed so that we can better evaluate prophetic teachings and speculations. So, we must study. (2) We need to be discerning (maybe even suspicious) of those who say that “God spoke to me” about this or that matter. That is a claim of authority, and it is often used to try and ensure credibility to what is being said. The Apostle John (1 John 4:1) taught the believers of his day to carefully evaluate any and all who make such claims. We dare not naively accept these claims. (3) We must not forget how important the prophetic word is for living godly lives. We may hear prophetic speculations that never do not materialize. But we must not get discouraged to the point that we walk away from the prophecies of the Bible. (This has taken place all too often in individuals as well as in entire local churches). God’s prophetic word is there for our benefit and is vital in maintaining our spiritual health.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God has set forth His plans and purposes for the end times. Jesus guaranteed that He will return and that He will make all things new. And we will be a part of that…what a wonderful future we have…our best days are ahead of us! </span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-59576136075974178722023-05-01T08:30:00.062-05:002023-05-01T08:30:00.143-05:00STAY WIDE AWAKE!<span id="docs-internal-guid-d5ef6475-7fff-b7d8-9b72-df8f3131baef"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lord Jesus issued a warning to His followers: “be on the alert for you do not know which day your Lord is coming” (Matt. 24:42). This warning was apparently given by Jesus because He knew that losing focus on His return is a real possibility. Believers tend to lose focus since Jesus just seems to be taking His time in coming back. And while this might be considered understandable, it is also spiritually dangerous. When our view of the future fades, then we become quite vulnerable to our Enemy who delights to trap us in his schemes and philosophies. In the interest of making sure we are staying awake, consider again what is taking place in our world. </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -32.4pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ISRAEL. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Scriptures are quite clear that Israel is key to our understanding of end times events. When Israel became a nation some 75 years ago, the prophetic landscape changed dramatically. With the Jews back in the Land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, many end time events, which focus on the Jewish people, and their land were open to fulfillment. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is the most significant of prophetic truths. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Israel, after so many centuries, is now in their land. This is no small matter. But there could be more. Israel today is sharply divided (just like the USA). The coming Tribulation period begins when the leaders of Israel make a treaty with a western leader (the Antichrist). But one wonders what would cause this fiercely independent nation to seek outside support and enter into such an agreement. It is within the realm of possibility that both outside threats combined with inner turmoil could bring about this treaty signing. Israel’s enemies, within the country and outside of it, are doing their best to create and encourage division. (Similarly, almost 2,100 years ago, in the days of the Maccabees, the fledgling nation of Israel was beset with outside threats and great inner turmoil. The leaders of Israel allowed that up-and-coming western power, Rome, to come in to stabilize their situation. Rome entered and Rome ruled). Whatever the reason in the present, Israel will seek outside help from the individual we refer to as the Antichrist. So, as we interpret current events, the key indicator to end time events is the fact that Israel is back in their land, which opens the door to prophetic events being fulfilled.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -25.2pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">IRAN. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is not new news that Iran wants to destroy the Jewish state and drive Israel into the sea. The regular rhetoric out of Tehran is that there will be nothing left of Israel after Iran is through with them. This is their passion. Iran continues to prepare for an all-out war on Israel. The Ayatollahs have strengthened their position by cozying up to both China and Russia. Iran is getting ready for war with Israel and is arming itself and its proxies. The recent severe earthquake that hit Turkey and northern Syria provided Iran with a cover for accelerating arms shipments to Syria, and to its own Revolutionary Guard in Syria. Pretending to bring in plane loads of aid to help with earthquake relief efforts, Iran instead brought in large amounts of military equipment to use against Israel, using the northern Syrian airport at Aleppo as the staging area for this influx of armament. Ezekiel 39:5 clearly states that Iran (Persia) will be a key participant in the end times attack on Israel. Iran is willing and it is getting ready.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -25.2pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RUSSIA.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> For over a hundred years, communist Russia has been a plague on this earth. Russia has brought misery and death to millions. And they are not done. Ezekiel 38 declares that they will lead the end times invasion of Israel to wipe out God’s chosen nation. Behind the scenes, Russia is actively supporting Iran and the terror groups directed by Iran. And while we might think that Russia is totally occupied with Ukraine, the reality is that their interest in the middle east, and Israel, is growing. Periodically, Russia will warn Israel about Israel’s “invasion” of Syrian air space. Events transpire so very quickly in the world we live in, and Russia, with troops in the region, could become actively involved in a war against Israel in a matter of days. Russia has an eye on the natural gas reserves of Israel as well as other sources of Israel’s wealth. And Ezekiel states that this will be a strong motivating force which will trigger the end times battle (Ezek. 38:12). Russia is present in Syria and is very much an enemy of Israel, ready to take that land.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -25.2pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE UNITED STATES. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most reading this article would likely agree that our nation is in a rapid moral and spiritual decline. We can be thankful for the men and women in positions of some power who are good people, attempting to stop this moral freefall. But marginalizing God and His laws, as our nation has done, has certain and terrible consequences (Rom. 1:18-32). That our country is in a dangerous decline is seen by both believers and non-believers. Unfortunately, the church is not the salt and light it should be as many church leaders have given in to the culture. While some churches remain steadfast in their loyalty to Christ and His word, more and more churches have pathetically made accommodations to the perversities of the culture and are even embracing (perhaps unknowingly) New Age mysticism and occultism. In seeking to be loving and relevant, the church generally has become irrelevant. The moral/spiritual decline of the USA is also true of Canada and Europe. Western culture is looking more and more like Sodom and Gomorrah. The chaos, division, anger, and violence that we observe will only worsen. But into that unsettled situation will arise a man who will be intelligent, powerful, attractive, and capable. This man (who is the Antichrist), is the leader of a western nation (Dan. 7.). He will step onto the world stage to be the savior of mankind. When the church of Jesus Christ is removed from the world at the Rapture, it will take little time for this Satanically-empowered man to take over.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -25.2pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CHINA. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Scriptures do not appear to have too much to say about China in the end of times but might give hints about that nation. China today is deceiving, threatening, bribing, and lying as it strives towards world domination. They do seem to be making some headway. It should be observed that the sixth trumpet judgment in Revelation (Rev. 9:16) foretells an army of 200,000,000 involved in the killing of 1/3 of what is left of the earth’s population. This takes place towards the end of the Tribulation period. It is not stated, but it is possible that this huge army could be from China. China has the population and the military to fulfill this horrible role of the destruction of much of humankind. And they could also be part of the vast numbers who descend into “God’s winepress” (Rev. 14) where they will be overwhelmed by the terrible judgment of God targeting unbelieving nations who hate Israel. China, however, does not appear to be the major player in the end times, as the Scriptures focus on the Antichrist, the western leader. But if they are the nation of the sixth trumpet judgment, then they are ready for action.</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 14.4pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If we stop and observe and think about what is going on in our world, surely, we can see that the Scriptures have given us enough information to keep our eyes on the heavens “from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20). It is foolish for us to try and set a date for the Lord’s return and the unfolding of end time events, but it is equally foolish to live today without keeping one eye on the heavens. The truth of the imminent return of Jesus is designed to help us keep the main things, the main things; and to help us with our ongoing struggle with the world (culture), the flesh and the devil. Jesus’ words about the tribulation and His Second Coming apply nicely to us and the Rapture, when He said: “lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 21.75pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Saints, keep wide awake. </span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-55555492815459502192023-04-01T16:54:00.000-05:002023-04-01T16:54:16.851-05:00Replacing Isreal With The Church<span id="docs-internal-guid-cb719bc8-7fff-ac9a-c8a0-1fcfeeed0475"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having just returned from the land of Israel, our group was reminded again of how biblically significant Israel is both historically and prophetically. To be walking in those places where O.T. kings and prophets lived and where Jesus and the Apostles proclaimed God’s truth is always a wonderful experience. But that land also remains central in biblical prophecy. End time events must take place as the prophets and the Apostles declared. Yet, a large percentage of the Church today believes that God is basically done with national Israel and has transferred promises made to Israel over to the Church. They teach that the Church is the “new Israel.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is the church the new Israel? This is not an “ivory tower” subject. It is not unimportant to believers. This is a subject which impacts how one interprets a great many scriptures in both the O.T. and N.T. And it can impact the very character of God who made covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants (through Isaac and Jacob). Has national Israel been replaced by the church of Jesus Christ? The simple answer is “no.” But there are certain points that need to be emphasized. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The View of Replacement Theology (RT).</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> RT holds that Israel’s sin and unbelief, revealed in their rejection of Jesus Messiah, caused God to set aside national Israel completely and permanently and to replace them with the Church. The unfulfilled promises given to Israel have been transferred over to the Church. This position is set forth by “replacement” theologians as seen in the following two quotes.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What further statement could be needed in order for us to say with assurance that the church has now become the true Israel of God and will receive all the blessings promised to Israel in the Old Testament.” (Wayne Grudem, “Systematic Theology”, p. 863)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The Old Testament records two kinds of promises which God made to national Israel: national promises and spiritual promises ... .The spiritual promises are still being fulfilled through the church today. Israel’s national promises all have been fulfilled or invalidated because of unbelief.” (Wm. Cox, “Amillennialism Today”, p. 83)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While some RT believe that there is a future salvation for Israel, it is clear that Israel has no special role anymore in fulfilling God’s work and will.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What Replacement Theology Must Prove from the New Testament.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Old Testament writers were abundantly clear that the covenant people of Israel would be God’s means (through Messiah of the line of David) of bringing a restoration of all that was lost back in the Garden of Eden, when mankind fell into sin. If this reality was to change, it would be up to the Apostles, as Christ’s designated channels of revelation (John 16:12-15) to show that this change did take place. RT must show: (1) that God’s covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants will not be fulfilled to Abraham’s descendants; (2) that God clearly and expansively declares that the N.T. church has replaced Israel (in other words, a detailed theological discussion); and (3) that after 1500 years of “Israel” meaning a specific ethnic group, it has now been redefined by the scriptures. These they have not proved as they can only come up with passages that “imply” or “suggest” the position they are attempting to establish. The absence of any N.T. discussion of the Church replacing Israel is significant because God spent some 2,000 years (from the days of Abraham) declaring that Israel was His chosen people, His covenant nation. (For a detailed discussion of this, see my book “Understanding End Times Prophecy”, pages 103-120).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God’s Covenant with Abraham.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God entered into a covenant with Abraham around 2100 B.C. It is essential to be aware of the nature of this covenant if indeed God has ended this covenant with Abraham. First, it was an unconditional covenant, meaning that it would depend on God alone for its fulfillment. An unconditional covenant is essentially a promise made by one person to another. This is why the Apostle Paul, nine times in Galatians 3, speaks of the Abrahamic covenant as a “promise”. God promised Abraham and his descendants’ certain things. Israel’s failures could not cancel the covenant because fulfillment did not depend on them. If Israel sinned, then there would be consequences for them (and there was). But canceling the covenant would not be one of them (Note Psalm 89:30-34). Psalm 89 speaks of the Davidic covenant and Jeremiah 31 reveals the New covenant (both of these are expansions of the Abrahamic covenant). Psalm 89 was likely written in view of the failure and downfall of some Judean king (perhaps Jehoiachin) which caused people to wonder if God had changed His mind concerning the Davidic covenant. However, in Psalm 89, numerous times God swears that He will not lie to David, but will fulfill that covenant. It is significant that God speaks of it as “</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> covenant” (not “our” covenant) in 89:34. In Jeremiah 31:31-34, seven times God declares “I will”, which underscores the unconditional nature of the covenant. God will bring about a complete fulfillment to the covenant. It depends entirely on Him and not on Israel’s obedience.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A second important truth about the nature of the covenant is that it is everlasting (“until the end of the ages”) or eternal. God declared this to Abraham numerous times (e.g., Gen. 17:7, 8, 13, 19). To further define this, the Scriptures state that as long as the universe is in existence (and it still is), then the covenant will be in force (note Jer. 31:35-37; Ps. 89:35-37). Being eternal/everlasting has lost all meaning if the covenant can be terminated this side of the new heavens and earth.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Ratification of the Covenant.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Ratification seems to be the most neglected aspect in this discussion. “Ratification” simply conveys the point that something is now legally binding. When a document is signed and the stamp of a notary is affixed to it, then it becomes legally binding. In Genesis 15, God graciously helped Abraham’s weakened faith by ratifying the covenant with animal sacrifices. This point is critical because once and for all God declared that He was legally committing Himself to fulfill all the covenant’s provisions to Abraham (and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob). It is also good to observe that God alone went between the pieces of sacrifice, which emphasizes that He alone would fulfill the covenant.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remembering that it would be up to the N.T. apostles to let us know that Israel was being set aside and replaced by the Church, we should observe that they do just the opposite (as in Romans 11:25-27). The Apostle Paul makes a powerful point in Galatians 3:15 when he states that no one can change a ratified covenant. The provisions of such a legally binding covenant cannot be changed, and this includes the parties of the covenant. So, no theologian can now change the covenant parties from God and Abraham to God and the Church. Here is Paul’s statement.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations; even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ratified</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. Now the promises (ie an unconditional covenant) were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On oath, God declared that He would fulfill all the points in His covenant. Not to do so, would cast significant doubt on the character of God. To change the parties of the covenant from national Israel to the Church of Jesus Christ goes against God’s covenant promises to Abraham; goes against the critical point that ratified covenants cannot be changed; and against the testimony of Moses, the O.T. prophets and the N.T. apostles that Israel has a clear, prominent future in God’s plans to restore and to reconcile all that was lost in the Garden of Eden.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The presence of the everlasting, unconditional, ratified, and unfulfilled O.T. covenants require that they be fulfilled to the same people who were the original party in the covenant. That party is national Israel. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Believers would rightly expect God to give us a detailed revelation about His change in plans, if indeed the promises were being switched to the Church from Israel. We should, for example, expect to see the Apostle Paul in Ephesians take several chapters to give us a detailed discussion about the change. After all, in Ephesians he was writing about the “church.” After some 1500 years (from the days of Moses) of being told that Israel refers to a national, ethnic group of people, it would be quite helpful if Paul spelled out that the term applies now to something else. And furthermore, it would be essential to hear God’s explanation on how and why He changed a ratified covenant, which He, on oath, declared He would fulfill to Israel. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The church is the “new Israel”? Without the space to go into detail, it is helpful to observe that “Israel” is used about 2,000 times in the O.T. and it is always used of national Israel. (A believing Moabite, for example, was never called an “Israelite”). “Israel” is used 73 times in the N.T. and 70 times there is no doubt at all that it refers to a racial, national group. The three other times (Rom. 9:6; 11:26 and Gal. 6:16) it also refers to national Israel, though RT gives great effort to try and prove otherwise.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RT is paddling their canoe against a very strong exegetical current. The eternal, unconditional, unfulfilled, ratified Abrahamic covenant, along with the consistent use of “Israel” in both testaments and the lack of N.T. explanation of change comprise a very powerful current. And we would suggest that no amount of paddling will bring them to the place where the Church is now the “new Israel.” It is not.</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-52694259503768097262023-03-01T21:01:00.004-06:002023-03-01T21:01:49.436-06:00WHY BOTHER WITH THE TRIBULATION? <p><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e6055ee3-7fff-212a-1a89-48cf152b76cf"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seven years of terrible trouble ahead! It would seem that it would be less complicated and a lot more pleasant if Jesus would just come tomorrow and rid the world of conflicts and evil. He could do that. He could issue the order that all creation must obey and the marvelous messianic age could start and life would be beautiful. That, however, is not what He has revealed about the future in the Scriptures. But still, why bother with seven years of tribulation, which Jesus Himself said would be the worst time in all the history of mankind (Matt. 24:21). Of course, God has purposes for what He does and He has revealed His main purposes for this time.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The primary purpose for this coming seven years of great trouble is that of</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">salvation.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God desires that people are redeemed and experience what He originally intended for mankind. The Tribulation will be the greatest time of salvation ever. And this amazing time of evangelism will begin with the people of Israel. Daniel 9:24 is abundantly clear that one of God’s great goals for this seven year period is to break the spiritual rebellion of Israel and bring the covenant people back to Himself. This will take place, as the Apostle Paul spelled it out to the gentile believers in Rome, in Romans 11:25-29.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“FOR I DO NOT WANT YOU, BRETHREN, TO BE UNINFORMED OF THIS MYSTERY, LEST YOU BE WISE IN YOUR OWN ESTIMATION, THAT A PARTIAL HARDENING HAS HAPPENED TO ISRAEL UNTIL THE FULLNESS OF THE GENTILES HAS COME IN; AND THUS, ALL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED; JUST AS IT IS WRITTEN, ‘THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVED UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB.’ ‘AND THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The covenant that Paul refers to is the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34). This is the covenant that deals with the removal of sin. It is a covenant made with Israel and in it </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God promises that Israel will eventually come into that covenant. Seven times the text records God saying “I will” do this, indicating that this is an unconditional covenant where He Himself will insure its fulfillment. Israel rejected the Savior when He came the first time and nothing much has changed in some 1990 years. What is it that will cause Israel to come to Messiah Jesus? The nightmare of the Tribulation will do it. With the outpouring of supernatural judgments from God and supernatural miracles of deception from Satan, the spiritual blindfold on Israel will be torn away and Israel will “look on the One they have pierced” (Zech. 12:10). Israel will look back with horror and sorrow at what they did to their own Messiah, and will return back to their covenant keeping God. While not every single Jewish person will turn to Him, the Scriptures are clear that the nation, as a nation, will indeed turn and be saved.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the very beginning, God’s salvation was for all mankind. He chose Israel as the vehicle to bring salvation to people. As a “light to the gentiles,” Israel did not do a very good job. It seems that they were an embarrassment to their God most of the time. But that light will shine intensely during the Tribulation, so that millions of gentiles will also be saved. It is very likely that the famous 144,000 of Revelation 7 (12,000 from each tribe in Israel) will be the great evangelists of this time. They, along with others, will spread the gospel throughout the world, so that every human being will be aware of the truth that the God-man Jesus died on a cross to pay the full price for the salvation of mankind (Matt. 24:14), and that He arose from the grave conquering Satan, sin and death. Salvation is free and available to all who place their trust in Jesus Christ. Revelation 7:9 speaks of “a great multitude, which no one can count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues” who had been saved by the blood of the Lamb. And for clarity, these are specifically said to be martyrs from the first part of the Tribulation period (Rev. 7:14).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As God delights to save people today, He will happily save millions during the seven worst years in human history. Sometimes believers today say that they hope Jesus might delay His coming for the Church (the Rapture event) because they want to see certain family members or friends come to be saved. Of course, it is wonderful that there is a desire for these to be saved. But remember that the nightmare of the Tribulation will strip away the diversions and false ideas that occupy the attention of folks in our culture. Reality will quickly set in. People will be faced with a much clearer view of real life and will have to choose between Christ and Antichrist; between eternal life and eternal death. Many will buy into the lies of Satan and his minions, but many will see eternal realities and place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God will accomplish His primary purpose for the time of Tribulation, and that is saving Israel and millions from among the gentiles.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God’s second purpose for the time of Tribulation is to bring judgment on unbelieving men and nations. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of creation must be made aware of the fact that no created being can, with impunity, violate those righteous standards of God. Today, in our culture, God’s righteous rules are mocked and aggressively violated. More and more, people openly defy God and His standards of truth and morality. These rejoice in their evils and depravity. It is true that God is amazingly patient with sinful people (see Exo. 34:6-7), but eventually that patience will end and both man and angels will witness the wrath of God. Psalm 2:4-5 says that God sits in heaven and “laughs” and “scoffs” at this aggressive evil and “then He will speak to them in His anger, and terrify them in His fury.” Revelation 6-18 spells out in considerable detail what that “fury” will look like; as some 80% of the world’s population dies in this terrible time, and the world is rocked by unprecedented judgments. The very sad part of this is that many people know full well that these are judgments from God. But instead of repenting and embracing the gift of eternal life, they curse God and refuse to repent (Rev. 16:9, 11, 21). And this is not just a local experience, as all the nations of the world will experience the righteous judgments of God. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Jesus returns at His Second Coming, He will then “sit upon His glorious throne” (Matt. 25:31) and inaugurate the messianic age on the earth. Daniel 12:11-12 indicates that there will be a 75-day period between His Second Coming and “day #1” of His messianic kingdom. During those days, purification, organization, and renewal will take place, as saved mankind joyfully enters into the greatest of times. What we now long for will come to pass, as God, on oath, declared it will come. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Apostle Paul’s admonition given centuries ago is still apropos for today:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“AND DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE UNFRUITFUL WORKS OF DARKNESS, BUT INSTEAD EVEN EXPOSE THEM; FOR IT IS DISGRACEFUL EVEN TO SPEAK OF THE THINGS DONE BY THEM IN SECRET…THEREFORE BE CAREFUL HOW YOU WALK, NOT AS UNWISE MEN, BUT AS WISE</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME, BECAUSE THE DAYS ARE EVIL</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">” (Ephesians 5:11, 12,15)</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-59262316567203665482023-02-01T08:30:00.007-06:002023-02-01T12:45:07.087-06:00GLOBALISM IS ON ITS WAY- Dr. Benware<p><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4a2532ca-7fff-b307-15e5-53d468e0772f"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Bible is crystal clear that mankind’s rebellious rule </span>on this earth will come to a thunderous conclusion when that satanically empowered man rules the world at the end of time. The Antichrist, as he is commonly referred to, gets his power, his amazing abilities, and his unprecedented ruling authority from Satan, the “god of this world” (Rev. 13:2; 1 John 5:19). For a fairly short period of 3½ years he will ruthlessly dominate all of mankind. Globalism will then arrive and it will be ugly and evil. </p></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many today are naively working to bring their utopian globalism into existence. They believe that a world government which has eliminated democracies and free market economies is the solution to the ills of the planet. And the “elites” of mankind, in their great wisdom, will solve mankind’s problems. To do this, nations need to be diminished and the traditional family neutralized. We will take a brief look at their efforts after we review what the Bible says about the Antichrist (“the beast”; “the man of sin”; “the lawless one”; “the little horn”; “the king who will do as he pleases”). He is the final, great globalist, and one who does rule all the nations of the world.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Biblical Antichrist</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This coming Antichrist has, according to the Bible, four distinct phases to his career. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First, </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">he will start his career as the ruler of a western nation. Daniel 7 makes the point that his kingdom (nation) arises out of the old Roman empire. He will be ruling (as president, king or prime minister) at the time of the Rapture. However, he will not at that time be identified as the Antichrist. He will rule a western nation (one coming out of the old Roman empire). Since Satan does not know when the end times are coming (note Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24:36), we can conclude that Satan has a man, at this very moment, ready to step into the role of antichrist. The </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">second phase</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of his career begins when he signs a treaty with the nation of Israel (Dan. 9:27). By covenantal agreement, he will be a supporter and protector of Israel. It is the signing of this treaty that identifies this one as the Antichrist. Daniel (in 7:24; 11:40-45) reveals that Antichrist is a man of war and he will begin by militarily defeating three kings (kingdoms), with seven others simply submitting to him (Rev. 17:11-12). He is a man of war and with Satan’s help overpowers these 10 nations from the area we call Europe (again coming out of the old Roman Empire). All of this takes place during the first half of the Tribulation period. This will be a bloody period as at least 2 billion people will die (25% of the world’s population). Then at the mid-point of the 7-year Tribulation period, several great events take place, such as Satan being cast out of heaven and confined to the earth. It is at this mid-point that Antichrist is killed (assassinated) and then supernaturally returns to life (Rev. 13:3, 12, 14). He dies physically and then will return to life. But this is not seen as a “resurrection” (as he does not appear to have received a resurrection body). This shocking and powerful event catapults Antichrist into the </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">third phase</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of his rule; that of being the ruler of the whole world (Rev. 13:5-7). This phase will last for 42 months (3½ years comprising the second half of the Tribulation). He will be worshiped as he functions as the absolute, ruthless dictator of the world. This is when Jesus warned Israelites to flee from the land; and this is when God’s people will be slaughtered by this evil man. This will be his time of world domination. Globalism arrives. The </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">fourth</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and final phase of the Antichrist’s career begins when King Jesus comes at His Second Coming and totally defeats him and casts him into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:19-20; 20:10). It is the final phase of his career because Antichrist will never, ever leave that place. Today, many in the world are actively preparing to bring in a one-world government. They see themselves as unusually wise, however they are terribly ignorant of the end result of globalism.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE CAREER OF THE ANTICHRIST</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9-q2nLB6N9KfZRtq2vk9ZFhTXnTLYe-PLrSsM24tEUs-9a2yts4zJOhftE8LDPycynHyPxDt-F6HgGUNaT1kcZ4tz5AYA_Bg1L5SomfrgPjzm9Vlztb8jdQ2HL4fBXvGRBwI7Z-Rca5M8Fng7mWV69yOzDGxbVYSyemq4gJ8aC9EnIY_nDJSQ5qxgw/s792/Benware's%20article%20drawing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="792" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9-q2nLB6N9KfZRtq2vk9ZFhTXnTLYe-PLrSsM24tEUs-9a2yts4zJOhftE8LDPycynHyPxDt-F6HgGUNaT1kcZ4tz5AYA_Bg1L5SomfrgPjzm9Vlztb8jdQ2HL4fBXvGRBwI7Z-Rca5M8Fng7mWV69yOzDGxbVYSyemq4gJ8aC9EnIY_nDJSQ5qxgw/w640-h494/Benware's%20article%20drawing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Present, Aggressive Push Towards Global Rule</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those Involved</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some 55 years ago, the Club of Rome (World Economic Forum) was formed. It meets annually to devise and implement ways to eliminate democracies and sovereign governments. They view themselves as the “elites” of the earth, who because they are the world’s most powerful financially, politically and socially, are best equipped to solve the world’s problems. At their annual meeting last month in Davos, Switzerland, American John Kerry uttered these humble words: “It’s pretty extraordinary, that we, a select group of human beings…are able to sit in a room and come together and actually talk about saving the planet.” These “elites” are convinced that they only can save the rest of mankind from their problems. These folks certainly do not appear to be lacking in arrogance. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Motives.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Global governance was and is what motivates the Club of Rome. They would do this by solving the world’s problems (real or imaginary) and neutralizing democracies, like the United States. A global government is the goal. </span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">David Rockefeller in his “Memoirs” stated: “…some even believe that my family and I are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as internationalists and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure; one world if you will. If that’s the charge, I stand guilty and am proud of it.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They apparently really believe that globalism is the answer and they are the only ones who are capable of implementing it. Of course, they do not acknowledge that governments are God’s idea and that the traditional family is essential to healthy governments. And they appear quite ignorant of what their beloved global government will look like in the hands of the Antichrist.</span></p><br /><ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Method.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In order to accomplish their global goal, they concluded that they needed to find a common enemy against which they could get independent nations to unite. This enemy did not need to be real. They tried several. But in their book, </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The Next Global Revolution” </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">they declared: “in searching for a new enemy to unite us, we came up with the idea of pollution, the threat of global warming, water shortages, famine and the like would fit the bill.” And, they could have included pandemics in their list. They say that the gross negligence of mankind caused these things, and therefore, mankind must step in to aggressively save the planet. And since the independent nations of the earth cannot seem to do it, it is left to the “elites” to do it. Everyone reading this article can see many of these matters being played out in our own government, and in governments all over the world.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">World Economic Forum (Club of Rome) and the Antichrist.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At this point, we need to be careful. We cannot say that the Antichrist will be a card-carrying member of the World Economic Forum. However, Antichrist will be one of the “elites”, since he will lead a powerful nation (one that can defend Israel). It is highly probable that their efforts for the past 50 years will provide the framework for what the Bible reveals about globalism and Antichrist. Mankind clearly has traveled a long way on the path to globalism over these past 50 years. Consider when Covid-19 arrived and the whole world was locked down. Consider the present irresponsible massive borrowing and spending in order to deal with such things as climate change; an activity known to weaken a nation. Consider the attack on the traditional family by the gay-lesbian-transgender community. On close inspection the fingerprints of the World Economic Forum are seen.</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Satan’s Involvement.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Bible reveals that behind these ideas which challenge God’s standards are demonic beings. The “god of this world,” Satan (1 John 5:19) is active in his own world. His hatred for God’s laws and people are ever present. The “elites” may not see Satan, but he is there. Their successes are really his successes. Satan’s passionate desire has been to be like God (Isa. 14:13-14), and to be worshiped. The closest he comes is the second half of the Tribulation, where in the global empire, Satan and Antichrist are worshiped by all the world (Rev. 13:4-8).</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God’s Involvement.</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God has determined all the end time events, down to the smallest detail. Everything He has declared will come to pass, and that includes man’s last final rebellion, the global government of the Antichrist. Even that evil empire will cause God to be glorified, as millions will reject that man and his evil and will turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and a guaranteed entrance into His glorious kingdom. That kingdom will last for 1,000 years which stands in stark contrast to the measly 42 months of Antichrist’s reign</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Involvement.</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Church will be raptured out of this world before Antichrist is revealed. However, as we live at this moment in time, not knowing exactly when these end time events will unfold, we must be involved. We know that the globalists will have their 15 minutes of fame and will appear to win. This is God’s plan and we cannot, of course, stop it from happening. But this must not deter us from: (1) making disciples for the Lord Jesus; (2) still advocating for God’s standards and principles to be in our culture; (3) be sharing our “blessed hope” (Titus 2:13) with a culture that is becoming increasingly characterized by hopelessness; (4) within the church be insisting that the Bible be proclaimed clearly as God’s inerrant, authoritative Word without compromise; (5) be disciplining ourselves towards greater holiness in our lives; (6) be doing good deeds so that our heavenly Father is glorified (Matt. 5:16). A lot to do and perhaps not much time to do it. </span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 144pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even so, come Lord Jesus</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(NOTE: Some information was taken from Dick Morris’ online January 14, 2023 article “How Globalism is Conquering the Globe”, and from the Patriot Post of January 18, 2023 in an article, “Destination Davos”, written by Douglas Andrews) </span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-61832479158872620552023-01-01T08:30:00.001-06:002023-01-01T08:30:00.187-06:00HERE COMES A NEW YEAR<p> <span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-f64d50d9-7fff-a7c0-07d9-031d5290a1f3"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Flipping the calendar to January usually brings some moments of reflection with it, as we think about what this new year might bring our way. For Bible-believing Christians, the beginning of the year causes us to wonder if this is the year that Jesus comes for us, and if perhaps the long-awaited end of times will descend on this world. And these thoughts are not irrational as the world does appear to be looking more like the days of Noah and the conditions found in Sodom and Gomorrah. And then, of course, we wonder what our personal futures will be like, as we contemplate issues of health, finances, and relationships. What will this new year bring?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God, in His infinite wisdom, has chosen not to tell us the specifics concerning what will take place in our 2023, which is probably a good thing. (Do we really want to know that we will be injured in a car crash in July?) However, there are certain truths that are fixed and do apply to this coming year. Even though some truths are familiar, they might help in giving us some perspective about 2023. First, the bad news.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Evil will triumph temporarily. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Apostle John reminds us that this world (culture) “lies in the power of the Evil One” (1 John 5:19). So, we ought not be too surprised when, after rejecting God’s standards, people twist life around and now “call good evil, and evil good” (Isa. 5:20). The Apostle Paul’s powerful and revealing discussion of the downward slide of a nation makes it so very clear that our nation has fallen under the wrath of God. (Read Paul’s expose of nations who walk away from God’s truth in Romans 1:18-32, and see if you can reach any other conclusion). And things will get much worse on this planet during the coming Tribulation period when the satanically-empowered Antichrist will successfully seek out believers in Jesus and destroy most of them (Rev. 13:7). And while the Church will be raptured prior to this time, millions will come to faith in Jesus after the Rapture, but will be martyred for their faith in Messiah (Rev. 7:9-14). It looks like the storm clouds are forming.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Church will apostatize</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. One of the sad realities about Israel in the Old Testament was that those charged with keeping that nation close to the Lord (priests and leaders) miserably failed. Unfortunately, the church will follow this pattern and there will be a great departure from God’s truth (2 Thess. 2:3). The false church of the Tribulation will be the zenith of coming “apostasy.” But before the Tribulation, the warning is that there will be a massive invasion of false teachers into the church who “in the later times will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1). And “the time will come when they (believers?) will not endure sound (healthy) doctrine,” but rather will turn away from God’s revealed truth and flock to those teachers who tell them what they want to hear (2 Tim. 4:3-4). That time seems to have come, and most likely in 2023 this turning away from God’s truth will only accelerate. Watch out for more and more preachers who subtly (or not) will cast doubt on the verbal inspiration and authority of the Scriptures. This is often seen as they try and accommodate the Scriptures on cultural issues such as abortion, homosexuality, gay marriage, God as the creator and the God-ordained structure of the home. Biblical prophecy will be further distorted and/or marginalized. Since the Garden of Eden, Satan’s approach has been to cast doubt on the veracity and authority of God’s truth. The Bible says that the church will not do well at the end. Does it not seem that we are in this time? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Antichrist is alive today. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Satan simply does not know when God is going to commence end times events. (In Matt. 24:36, not even holy angels have been given the starting date of the end times. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that Satan has been clued in on this critical piece of information). As a result, Satan has always had a man ready to go at a moment’s notice. Such a man exists today within western culture. Daniel 7 is clear that out of the old Roman empire will come this powerful but wicked end times personality. So, he will not come from Russia, China or many other places. Whoever this is, he will be a ruler of a single nation. Then when he signs a covenantal agreement with Israel (Dan. 9:27), he is revealed as the Antichrist. If time passes and there is a “delay” in the start of end time events, Satan will replace the “present” Antichrist with another and will be ready to go. The stage is pretty much set for the last act in this play on planet earth, but we just do not know the time when the curtain will be raised. God’s timing has always been perfect, and we can be sure that the Sovereign Lord will not be a minute early or late for the curtain raising. Now some good news.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are in the kingdom for such a time as this. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Long ago when the Medes and Persians ruled the world including Israel, Mordecai the Jew gave an insightful word to his niece Queen Esther. When the Jews were facing annihilation, Mordecai told her that she was probably in her position as the queen for “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). In other words, Esther was sovereignly placed there by the Almighty God to be His instrument in saving His people. And so, it is true with us. We are not here on this planet, at this time, by accident, but are here for “such a time as this.” God has His purposes and we are here to carry out His purposes. This is not to say that as individuals we will change the world, but it does mean that our Lord has things for us to do. He has people that need the Savior and we are the evangelists. He wants truth, His truth, proclaimed and defended. He has individuals who need His touch in their lives which will be done through believers. He is waiting to hear from praying believers. We probably think of ourselves as “little” and “insignificant,” and we are probably right. However, that is exactly the kind of person that God has chosen to use over the millennia. We are here in 2023 because we have work to do for the living God. This could be our best year yet. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can presently live in this culture with peace and joy. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anxiety, worry, and fear are tightening their grip on our culture, which is the growing opinion of many, Christians and non-Christians alike. 2023 is worrisome. Jesus noted that in this world we will have trouble, but believers can live in peace (John 16:33). He had stated a few minutes earlier in His discourse that His peace was different from the world’s peace (John 14:27). The world’s peace depends on the circumstances of life being good and pleasant. But Jesus’ peace comes because of who He is and what He has done. A person who has placed their faith in Jesus is immediately, positionally at peace with God (Rom. 5:1). The believer has a harmonious relationship with God and is no longer at enmity with Him. But peace is more than something positional, it can also be true of us as we live in this culture. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul declares that “the peace of God…shall guard your hearts (emotions) and mind (thoughts) in Christ Jesus.” In this culture, unbelievers simply cannot comprehend this tranquility and harmonious relationships that are available to followers of Christ. As troubles appear, believers are to come to the Lord God with “thanksgiving” and pray about those troubling matters. When troubles come, believers need to shift their focus off the troubling matter and onto the Lord; who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and good. We may not know what 2023 will bring, but we do know that our Lord Jesus does. Peace can be ours, and joy can be ours as we abide in Christ and live obediently to Him (John 15:11),</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus will return and rule over the entire world. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Bible does not stutter or stammer on this matter. It is never IF Jesus will return and rule the world, but always WHEN He will do it. Psalm 2 is such a powerful reminder of what is going to take place (Take a moment and read this Psalm…good for the mind and soul). Contrary to some theologies, Jesus is not presently fulfilling Psalm 2, and this is made certain by numerous scriptures. For example, Hebrews 1:5-2:8 speaks of Jesus ruling as the One who fulfills the Davidic covenant. It includes the statement that “we do not yet see all things subjected to Him” (2:8). The point is that He is not, at this moment, ruling as Messiah. But He will. And Psalm 2 records the declaration of the Sovereign God that He has installed the Anointed One as king in Zion (2:6) and has given the nations of the earth as His inheritance (2:8). This is such an encouraging scripture. Today, many political leaders are corrupt and abuse their authority. But it is established and settled that God will set aside all of these and that Jesus’ reign on this earth will be in righteousness (Isa. 11:4-5). And the God who cannot lie says He will make all things right. We can hope that it all begins in 2023. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important that we rehearse these and similar truths regularly. So, if by any chance you are concerned about many things that might come in 2023, remember that Jesus promised: (1) all authority has been given to Him (Matt. 28:18-20), and (2) He is our Good Shepherd and He will always be with us (Matt. 28:20; John 10:11_15)). No force or person can thwart His power, and He is constantly watching over us, His “sheep.” Our task now is to “abide” (remain in fellowship) with Him and live obediently (John 15:1-12). As the old song goes: “trust and obey for there is no other way.”</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-60356317827011170532022-12-01T08:30:00.001-06:002022-12-01T08:30:00.185-06:00THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD and CHRISTMAS LIGHTS<p> </p><span id="docs-internal-guid-dea193b7-7fff-514f-5158-440998ab4663"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One can never have too many lights when decorating at Christmas time. This great principle has been a guiding reality around our home for years. We love the white lights, the LED lights, and the colored lights; ones that blink and ones that stay steady. They not only make for a compelling display that is pleasing to the eye, but they also chase away the darkness. Now there is some disagreement where the idea of lights at Christmas came from. Some point to the candles of Hanukkah, while others trace it back to Christmas celebrations in Europe and other ideas are also presented. It makes no real difference since beauty is present and darkness is gone.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brilliant light was part of the first coming of Jesus Christ into this world, and it will be on display at His second coming. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Luke 2:9 informs us that an angel appeared to some shepherds out in the fields and that “the glory of the Lord shone around them.”</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The darkness of that night was brilliantly removed by the illuminating glory of God. About a year later, the “star” (which I believe is best understood as the Shekinah---the glory of God) appeared to wisemen who were directed to go and find the new King. This brilliant light was a sign to them, as it was to ancient Israel as God led them through the wilderness (Exo. 40:34-38).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And so it will be at His return. In Matthew 24:29-30, Jesus declared that when He returns it will be when the moon’s light is gone, and the sun has become darkened. Into that unnerving gloom on earth at the end of the Tribulation, the glory of Christ will shine. At that moment, there will appear the “sign of the son of Man”, which once again is probably the Shekinah, glory of God. Jesus will come in “glory” and will sit on His throne, which is a “glorious throne” (Matt. 25:31). In His earthly ministry, Jesus allowed three of His disciples to have a preview of this marvelous light of His glory on the Mt. of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:2-5). They saw what He will appear like in His coming earthly kingdom. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The idea of light being connected with Christ’s appearances should not come as a surprise to us. The Apostle John began his gospel with the declaration that Jesus was the “light” that entered this spiritually dark world (John 1:4-9). Jesus Himself would later state that He was the “light of the world” (John 8:12). This statement was made after Jesus had forgiven a woman who was in a moral/spiritual darkness. That woman (to use the words of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 1:13) had been delivered out of the domain of darkness and entered a glorious relationship with Jesus Christ. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to 1 John 1:5, the basic nature of God is that He is “light.” There is absolutely no darkness of any kind in Him. John’s important point is that if a believer wants to live in fellowship with the Light, that believer cannot allow even a smidgen of darkness in his own life. Whatever we might claim, darkness in our lives rules out any real fellowship with Christ. Generally, the church today is increasing in allowing dark doctrines and darkness in living to become normal. As a result, too many Christians believe that God will accept most any behavior in their lives, since He is a God of love. He is that to be sure, but John dismisses our claims to walk with Him if we tolerate any kind of darkness in our lives (In 1 John 2, he says that we are lying when we say that). In reading 1 John 1:5, 7 very recently, it was a powerful reminder to me that sin must be immediately confessed and zero tolerance given for any shade of dark behavior whether, as believers, it be in our actions, our thoughts or our attitudes. John states that a believer who has a little bit of darkness in his/her life simply cannot have authentic fellowship with God who is pure light (1 John 2:8-11). However, since we do sin, provision has been made for us by Christ’s work on the Cross. When we confess our sins candidly, taking God’s view of those sins, we are then fully and completely washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. Walking in the Light depends upon our obedience to Him. Perhaps as we put up our Christmas lights this year, we will let them remind us of Jesus, the light of the world, with whom we can have daily fellowship if we will walk in the light (1 John 1:7). </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When the Lord Jesus Christ returns to earth as the King over all (Psalm 2), it will be in power and GLORY (Matt. 25:31). The Light, the glory, the brilliance, will be overpowering. This is what Peter, James and John experienced on the Mt. of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:2-5). To his dying day, Peter never forgot what He saw that day on the mountain, and he tells us about it in 2 Peter 1:16-19. Note Peter’s choice of words as he described Jesus as He will appear during that 1,000-year reign on this earth (“glory”, “Majestic glory”, “a lamp shining in a dark place”, “day dawns”, “morning star”). There are so many videos out these days which attempt to tell us about Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. Some are helpful, but to a certain extent they all have conditioned us to think of Jesus as the carpenter/rabbi from Nazareth, and do not help us really see Him as the glorious King. During His earthly ministry, as Paul teaches us in Philippians 2:7, Jesus “emptied Himself” of all displays of deity. That will change when He comes back in full glory to rule. That is our blessed expectation as given in Titus 2:13: the “appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” His will truly be a kingdom of light.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether or not Jesus was born on December 25</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, it is a good thing to celebrate His entrance into this world; that moment when God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). And maybe, just maybe, as we hang up our Christmas lights, we will remind ourselves of the nature of our Savior; that He is light; and that our Christmas lights might daily ask us the question: “are you walking in the Light?”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">May your Christmas be filled with light, both physical and spiritual.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-47787955198795128892022-11-01T08:30:00.001-05:002022-11-01T08:30:00.185-05:00TRENDING TOWARDS THE “DAYS OF NOAH” <p> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 14.4pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In His prophetic discourse, Jesus stated that when He comes back at His Second Coming, the condition of the earth would be like those in the days of Noah. (In speaking of His coming, Jesus was not talking about the Rapture of the Church, as that was a truth not yet revealed.) He was referring to the time when He would physically return to the earth and thus fulfill God’s covenant commitments to Israel. Now when we think of the “days of Noah” our minds naturally go back to Genesis 6 where the horrible, pervasive evil conditions on the earth are described.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0pt -21.6pt 8pt 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“THEN THE LORD SAW THAT THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN WAS GREAT ON THE EARTH, AND THAT EVERY INTENT OF THE THOUGHTS OF HIS HEART WAS ONLY EVIL CONTINUALLY…NOW THE EARTH WAS CORRUPT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, AND THE EARTH WAS FILLED WITH VIOLENCE. AND GOD LOOKED UPON THE EARTH, AND BEHOLD IT WAS CORRUPT; FOR ALL FLESH HAD CORRUPTED THEIR WAY UPON THE EARTH.” Genesis 6:5, 11-12</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the book of Revelation certainly verifies the absolute corruption of mankind in the end of times, when Jesus returns. Man, in those days, will repeatedly demonstrate hatred for God’s righteous standards and for God’s righteous people. Evil men, energized by Satan himself, will slaughter believers (Rev. 6:10; 13:7); will kill hundreds of millions of people (Rev. 9:18); will, like Adolph Hitler, try and solve the “Jewish problem” by destroying Israel (Rev. 12:15); will aggressively speak out against the true God and His ways (Rev. 13:5-6); and will rally mankind against King Jesus in a futile attempt to resist His coming (Rev. 19:16-21). This time of tribulation, as Jesus declared, would be the worst of times (Matt. 24:21).</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And, like with Noah’s day, the evil is so pervasive that mankind will end up drinking from the bowl of the wrath of God (Rev. 15-16).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Jesus returns at His Second Coming, probably around 80% of the population of the world has just perished in the Tribulation. The book of Revelation helps us envision what this is going to look like. And with the Holy Spirit’s ministry of the restraining of sin being removed out of the world (2 Thess. 2:7), wickedness will simply explode on the planet. Evil will be deep and wide. It will be a repeat of Genesis 6.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, it is interesting and instructive how Jesus describes the days of Noah as it relates to His return to earth. It does not read like Genesis 6.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0pt -7.2pt 8pt 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“FOR THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN WILL BE JUST LIKE THE DAYS OF NOAH. FOR AS IN THOSE DAYS WHICH WERE BEFORE THE FLOOD THEY WERE EATING AND DRINKING, THEY WERE MARRYING AND GIVING IN MARRIAGE, UNTIL THE DAY THAT NOAH ENTERED THE ARK, AND THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND UNTIL THE FLOOD CAME AND TOOK THEM ALL AWAY; SO SHALL THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE.” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matthew 24:37-39</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0pt -7.2pt 8pt 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“AND JUST AS IT HAPPENED IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, SO IT SHALL BE ALSO IN THE DAYS OF THE SON OF MAN: THEY WERE EATING, THEY WERE DRINKING, THEY WERE MARRYING; THEY WERE GIVING IN MARRIAGE, UNTIL THE DAY THAT NOAH ENTERED THE ARK, AND THE FLOOD CAME AND DESTROYED THEM ALL.” Luke 17:26-27</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Luke then records a further illustration given by Jesus.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0pt -7.2pt 8pt 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“IT WAS THE SAME IN THE DAYS OF LOT; THEY WERE EATING, THEY WERE DRINKING, THEY WERE BUYING, THEY WERE SELLING, THEY WERE PLANTING, THEY WERE BUILDING; BUT ON THE DAY THAT LOT WENT OUT FROM SODOM IT RAINED FIRE AND BRIMSTONE FROM HEAVEN AND DESTROYED THEM ALL. IT WILL BE JUST THE SAME ON THE DAY THAT THE SON OF MAN IS REVEALED.” Luke 17:28-30</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-f64d3451-7fff-1d7b-1008-60d6c6c615a9" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unexpectedly, Jesus does not focus on the rampant sinfulness of mankind, or on the unusual level of unrighteousness of the last days. Rather, He speaks of normal human activities, such as eating, marrying, building, and planting. That certainly does not sound all that terrible! But what Jesus is emphasizing is “ungodliness” and not “unrighteousness.” “Unrighteousness” is when people behave in an unrighteous way. It means that they are disregarding God’s righteous standards, principles, and laws. The people of Noah’s day and people of Lot’s day were obviously living in a very unrighteous way. And that will be true at the time of Jesus’ Second Coming. “Ungodliness” is not the same thing as “unrighteousness” though there is a clear connection between the two words.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unrighteous living flows naturally out of ungodliness. Being “ungodly” (</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">asebeian</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) communicates the idea of a person living without any real regard for God in their lives. The great Creator God is dismissed to a place of irrelevance. Ungodliness is not atheism. It is not a denial of God’s existence. But it is such a diminishing of His person that He really has no real authority and has no real place in the life of an individual. It might be synonymous with “secular.” Fundamentally, the awesome Creator God is removed from His rightful place of centrality in life to a place where He is essentially irrelevant.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ungodliness is the opposite of showing deep reverence for God. There is simply no awe in the minds and hearts of His creature. A person goes about life, eating and drinking, building and planting, with no place for this irrelevant God. He exists but is out somewhere on the distant margins of life. This appears to be what Jesus is emphasizing regarding the spiritual atmosphere at His Second Coming. The world at large will think wrongly about God. And this is the most likely reason why they are totally unprepared for God’s judgment on them when it comes. Judgment catches them by surprise, and we wonder why. Jesus began His prophetic discourse with the warning that “see to it that no one misleads you…and many false prophets will arise and mislead many” (Matt. 24:4, 11). People in the Tribulation period will be misled and will embrace a distorted, deceptive view of the God of heaven. This, of course, is not something new, since from the days in the Garden of Eden this has been Satan’s ploy: to distort the truth of God, and therefore, call into question God’s credibility.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today, this diminishing of God’s Word has been accelerating. A growing percentage (according to some reliable studies) of those in the church no longer believe in the inerrancy and authority of God’s Word. And this is true even in churches that call themselves “evangelical.” However, the Apostle Paul is quite clear that God and His word are inseparably linked together (Gal. 1:6). In this Galatians passage, Paul is amazed that these Christians have departed from the truth he gave them; but he observes that when they leave God’s truth, they are actually departing from the Lord Himself. To diminish God’s truth is to diminish God Himself. The inevitable result of this is that the Lord God is reduced in the minds and hearts of people. They go on with the routine of life without the Lord God being the center of life. At best, He lives out on the margins of life and this is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ungodliness</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. This is what will be massively true in Jesus’ day as it was in the days of Noah and Lot. We certainly are trending towards the days of Noah in this matter. Several decades ago, A. W. Tozer observed that “the Church has surrendered her once lofty concept of God and has substituted for it one so low, so ignoble, as to be unworthy of thinking, worshipping men.” (“The Knowledge of the Holy,” p. 6). Ungodliness in the church and in the culture has been going on for quite awhile and will get worse right up until the time Jesus returns back to the earth again.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With all this in mind, it is vital for us as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ to make sure that our view of the Lord God is true and accurate according to the Scriptures. We do have the tendency to make God look a little more like ourselves; to bring Him down a little. And so, we need to ensure that we are not becoming “ungodly” in our thinking and living. We are helped in avoiding ungodliness in our lives by focusing on the works and the attributes of God as revealed in the Scriptures. So many portions of Scripture help in this regard; such as Isaiah 40, Psalm 2, Psalm 139, Psalm 145 or God’s illuminating words to Job (Job 39-41). And perhaps reading (or re-reading) books like Tozer’s “The Knowledge of the Holy” will help us focus with clarity on the greatness and majesty of our God. It is true, of course, that we will not be here on earth during those heightened days of ungodliness in the Tribulation period, but we are dealing with this growing phenomenon of “ungodliness” today in the church. We individually must not give ground one bit on the Person of God and the Word of God, or we will experience the reality of creeping ungodliness in our own lives.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-right: -7.2pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ungodliness (being secular) never goes well for us. We just do not see God correctly, and unrighteousness is entered into with great ease. We miss God’s directions; we make poor choices and we have negatives come into our lives that really do not need to be there. It remains true that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One” is understanding (Prov. 9:10). Seeing the Lord God correctly is foundational to a solid Christian life. I am hopeful that each of us will renew our resolve to avoid ungodliness in our own lives. This truth is vital to our spiritual health, even while the culture, and too much of the church, are trending towards the days of Noah.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-74919951919192626442022-10-01T08:30:00.001-05:002022-10-01T08:30:00.187-05:00GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY, OUR EFFORTS and THE NOVEMBER ELECTION<span id="docs-internal-guid-35d0b2e6-7fff-2b43-377c-28ee1f8f3edc"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The attack ads are coming at us. They are nasty, verbal tsunamis. They are everywhere and in great numbers. One political office-seeker throws as much mud as is possible in 30 seconds, or maybe on a single billboard. Their opponent returns the favor. This, of course, informs us that an election must not be too far off. Few present any positive solutions, so they resort to character assassination. Perhaps you are weary of this as I am, and would like to vacation in West Pango Pango for the next two months. (By the way, things are not much different in West Pango Pango). But that time away would not solve anything. We who are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ might consider approaching the coming elections with these 6 points in mind.</span></p></span><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God is sovereign over all things, including elections.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When evil people gain positions of power or when there are questions about the legitimacy of an election, it is difficult for us to understand Daniel’s statement, where he said: “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. As it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and sets up kings…” (Dan. 2:21-22). Nothing is outside of the control of the Sovereign of the universe, including elections. Man’s evil manipulations, deceit, lying and violent rage against Him and His standards only elicits laughter from the heavens (Psa. 2:4). The Great Creator is simply not intimidated nor impressed with the boastful beating of the chest by humans. We, however, often find it hard to figure out what God is doing in allowing some things to take place and some people to be in the places of power. But believers throughout all of history have learned that they simply must trust the all-knowing and all-powerful God. He knows everything actual and possible, and there is no force or combination of forces that can thwart His will from being accomplished on earth. That applies to this election as well. This biblical truth might make it seem that the subject is settled and we are to just sit back, or maybe take that vacation in West Pango Pango. But there is more. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -10.8pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prayer is vital in God’s working in the realm of mankind.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 14.4pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Probably everyone reading this article believes that prayer is important, but it is also likely that no one reading this article really understands how the sovereign God factors prayer into His plans. But having said that, the Bible again and again records that a person praying brought about a response from the Lord. Remember when the brutal Assyrian army had surrounded Jerusalem and godly King Hezekiah fervently prayed for God to intervene? God did. Through Isaiah the prophet, God said to the king: “</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because you have</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prayed to Me</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> about Sennacherib, king of Assyria…” I will judge him in a powerful way (Isa. 37:12-29). Sounds like prayer made a difference. And then there was the time when Daniel was passionately praying about God fulfilling His promise to return His people back to their land. The angel Gabriel was sent to Daniel and informed him that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the moment Daniel began to pray</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Gabriel was dispatched from God to Daniel with the answer (Dan. 9:23). Many times, the early church witnessed the response of God to prayer. Facing persecution, they prayed. “And </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">when they had prayed</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31). Again and again in the Scriptures, individuals and groups sought the Lord and He intervened. And since God has not changed, the challenge before us is to seek for the Lord’s intervention. The polls and the pundits don’t dictate what is going to take place. He has responded to prayer in the past, and He certainly can do it in November. We apparently can have a role in this.</span></p><ol start="3" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Righteousness still elevates a nation.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The truth of Proverbs 14:34 remains in force today. It states, “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” America needs an infusion of righteousness. So, we should seek those who best would promote programs, policies and laws that reflect biblical principles. This might take some research on our part, since in this culture righteousness might be more difficult to find. We seem to be facing so much that is false and deceptive, and increasingly good is said to be evil, and evil is said to be good. However, some politicians and propositions are closer to biblical truth than others. And if we can, we need to support those.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We hold dual citizenship.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most of us are citizens of the United States of America. And there have been many blessings which are ours because of that fact. But we are also citizens of heaven. The Apostle Paul, who was a Roman citizen, said that “our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:20). There was some value for him in his Roman citizenship, but much greater value in his being a citizen of heaven. Our time as citizens of the United States is limited to decades, but our heavenly citizenship is something that is eternal. So, while we are to be the best American citizens we can be, we must remember that we are ambassadors from the kingdom of King Jesus. Our highest loyalty and service is to be for Him. And since we are still here, our primary task is to be carrying out His wishes, whatever they may be. This truth helps us keep a proper perspective in our loyalties, and in our elections.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We should remember the “Josiah Effect”.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I have spent time recently in the books of 1 and 2 Kings. There are many spiritual principles and illustrations that emerge from those historical books. What caught my attention was the reign of Manasseh (2 Kings 21). During Israel’s 450-year monarch period, 43 kings ruled. And of all those kings, Manasseh is said to be the wickedest of all. He was an incredibly evil king who sacrificed his own sons to a foreign god; who set up idols in the holy Jerusalem temple; who was deep into the occult; and who slaughtered the righteous people of Jerusalem. God declared that he was even more wicked than the dynamic evil duo of Ahab and Jezebel. His evil was greater than the Canaanites that occupied the land prior to Israel’s arrival. Because of this extreme level of wickedness, God pronounced irreversible judgment of Judah. Terrible judgment was coming because of his evil. God does take His rules seriously. But then, amazing as it might seem, into that situation of utter depravity came a new king by the name of Josiah (2 Kings 22 and 23). Josiah loved the Lord, humbled Himself before the Lord and sought to live according to God’s standards. Because of Josiah, God put judgment “on hold.” As long as Josiah was alive, judgment would not come on Judah. This kind of “adjustment” by God can be observed a number of times in the Old Testament, as 2 Chronicles 7:14 declared it would. America is not Israel, and God has no covenant relationship with America. But the USA is looking more and more like the days of Manasseh. However, it does seem that God delights in making these “adjustments.” I do not pretend to know what God might do in response to believers being like Josiah. Remember that God was willing to spare wicked Sodom if just 10 righteous people still existed in that city (Gen. 18:22-33). If God did make an “adjustment,” I think it would be so that we could have time to become more intentional in the way we live as Christians, and not so that we could vacation in West Pango Pango.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God has future plans for mankind which will be fulfilled.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Book of Revelation, along with many more prophetic portions leave no doubt that God has some very detailed plans and purposes for mankind and for this planet. And since He is Sovereign, these will take place. It is never a question of “if,” but “when.” For example, before the millennial kingdom of Jesus is established on this earth, certain things will take place. One of those is the establishment of a global government, ruled over by the Antichrist. Globalism is eventually going to come. However, globalism is also going to lead to God’s plans coming to fruition. God will use it to do His great work of saving the people of Israel, which is the primary purpose of the coming Tribulation period. God has committed Himself to saving Israel as well as millions of gentiles, and He will use the coming evil to do so. The great miracles and judgments of that period will tear off the spiritual blindfold on Israel and will also awaken millions of slumbering gentiles to ultimate realities. But to do all of this, there will be a dramatic change in this world which will include the rise of incredibly evil leaders and their diabolical plans of world domination. This is going to take place. The location on the calendar is not known.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, as the tsunami of attack ads roll over us, we are not to languish in despair and helplessness. That laughing you hear comes from heaven. And the Great King would have us keep these and other theological truths in mind. We are here and we have work to do. As a person thinks, so they are. Think biblically as you face the November elections.</span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e27e03f0-7fff-97cc-a86e-8bc5e8e03d15"></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p><br /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-43460482030843214042022-09-01T08:30:00.002-05:002022-09-01T08:30:00.176-05:00On That Day<p><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-eabd9d1c-7fff-52dd-ecd3-23bdd6b2ac2a"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 3.6pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fedfbf9-7fff-e0bc-19f4-e337ebee93f7" style="font-weight: normal; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A person’s last words, when they know they are their last words, are often quite powerful and significant to the hearers. The Apostle Paul’s last words, in 2</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">nd</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Timothy, are indeed powerful and significant to Timothy, but also to all believers. In this last letter that we have of Paul’s, he mentions “that day” three different times (1:12; 1:18; 4:5). When he wrote 2 Timothy, Paul was in a Roman prison awaiting his execution. One matter that he was directed by the Holy Spirit to write about was to remind Timothy about the believer’s future appearance before Christ’s judgment seat (“that day”). Most of us regularly need this reminder of our personal accountability when we appear before the Lord Jesus Christ. We get so wrapped up in doing life that we often lose this essential perspective. As a reminder, the Judgment Seat of Christ is not the place where our eternal destiny (heaven or hell) is determined, but it is the place for the rewarding of believers. Rewards are given on “that day” but the consequences of those rewards will carry over into the one-thousand-year reign of Christ, and most likely, throughout the eternal kingdom of God.</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 3.6pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1) 2 Timothy 1:12.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The context for the first use of “that day” is Paul’s confidence and Paul’s suffering in relation to the gospel of Christ. Paul was ordained by God to be a proclaimer of the Gospel (“apostle, preacher and teacher”, 1:11). And while we are not apostles, it is nevertheless true that we too have been given this amazing body of truth to share with mankind. It includes the truth about God’s intervention into history to solve the sin problem. Paul was not ashamed of this gospel (same word used in Romans 1:16) because the work of Jesus on the Cross is the only means of reconciling God and man (1 Cor. 1:18). But Satan and godless men hate this good news and lash out against those who would witness to its truthfulness (2 Cor. 4:4). They target faithful preachers/teachers. As a result of his faithfulness to the gospel and to the Person of Christ, Paul suffered. As he himself shares in chapter 4, he is in a harsh imprisonment, attacked by evil men and abandoned by his friends who are fellow believers. He is in a painful, lonely place. But even in this dismal situation, Paul is absolutely convinced that God is powerful enough to keep the combined efforts of the Evil One and wicked men from destroying the gospel. Paul has done his part to guard the gospel, and now the mighty hand of God will keep the evil enemies from succeeding in their attempt to destroy the gospel of Christ.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 14.4pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of Paul’s great motivations for his determined efforts was the reality that he would stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and give an account of what he had done, and then be rewarded. Being rewarded was not his only motivator, as he states in 2 Corinthians 5:10-16, but it is the one he emphasizes here. Paul was </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">faithful</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in his proclaiming the gospel and by so doing, he was willing to be identified with Christ. And when we too appear before Jesus, faithfulness will be one of the key criteria in our evaluation (1 Cor. 4:1-2). We must never forget that the Lord requires that we be faithful, but never requires that we be famous. Sometimes we think that fame in the church, or culture, will play a great part in our evaluation. It will not. But faithfulness will be. as it is highly prized by the Lord Jesus. We must be faithful to Him in the use of our spiritual gifts, natural abilities, intellectual abilities, use of our time as well as our financial resources. The Lord places a great emphasis on the faithfulness of His servants.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 14.4pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Timothy 1:18. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While being faithful in sharing the gospel is a very important part of our responsibilities, as servants of Christ, it is not the only thing. In this verse, Paul uses Onesiphorus as an illustration of faithfulness in serving Christ by diligently serving others. Onesiphorus’ labors and boldness would have been well-known to Timothy, since Onesiphorus was an Ephesian believer and Timothy was ministering at that time in Ephesus. This man went out of his way to find Paul when he was a prisoner in Rome, and to bring encouragement to Paul. Paul reminds Timothy that Onesiphorus lived a life characterized by kindness and good deeds. That attitude and those kind works will be remembered at the Judgment Seat, so it is not simply proclaiming God’s Word that will be evaluated. This should be of huge encouragement to all believers who do not stand behind a pulpit or classroom lectern. Paul also includes the fact that he is praying that mercy will be extended to Onesiphorus at the Judgment Seat. We do not know what he has in mind when he speaks of “mercy” (a withholding of deserved punishment), but it is apparently going to be an issue for all believers at the Judgment Seat. James too brings up the fact that we all will want mercy when we stand before the Lord (James 2:13). And mercy will be granted to those who have shown mercy to others in this life. This is clearly a significant point to think about, as it indicates that part of our evaluation will be in how we dealt with others; especially those who have hurt or offended us. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(3) 2 Timothy 4:8. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This third use of “that day” makes it clear that the subject is indeed the Judgment Seat of Christ. Paul has faithfully, successfully reached the end of his race, and in the future he will be rewarded. Paul uses the imagery of an athlete who has won at the games and awaits the “crown” from the referee. This is not a time of punishment, but a time when faithful believers will be rewarded. Several truths about rewards are mentioned. First, the reward is secure (“laid up for me”). Jesus also clearly taught that investments made in the Bank of Heaven would never diminish or disappear (Matt. 6:19-21). Rewards earned will never disappear which may point to them being eternal in their consequences. Second, rewarding takes place, not at death, but at His appearing. This also is something Jesus was clear about in Revelation 22:12, where He brings His reward with Him at His coming. Third, Jesus is the “righteous” judge. When believers appear before Him, He will evaluate us fairly and justly. This comes from His very nature. He will not reward undeserving saints nor overlook the works of faithful saints. And, it will be clear to all observers that His evaluations are totally righteous ones. It is likely that Paul mentions this fact because Jesus stands in stark contrast to the Roman judges who were unrighteous in their dealing with the Apostle Paul. Fourth, Paul specifically mentions one “crown” to illustrate the rewarding at the Judgment Seat. This was the “crown of righteousness.” This crown is given because of a believer’s righteous living. Christ will give this to the one who has lived life according to the righteous standard of God. He is using the imagery of an athlete who competed at the games and did so to receive the victor’s “crown”. The “crown” (</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">stephanos</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) was a wreath placed on the head which honored the athlete who had won. He won because he trained and disciplined himself for this moment before the referee. Paul did so as well, as he detailed in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. There Paul argues for believers to discipline themselves in their spiritual lives.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The “crown of righteousness” is not just for apostles. All believers who have loved His appearing will receive it. This speaks of the attitude and anticipation of the believer who has an ongoing love for Jesus Christ and of seeing Him. When a believer is looking forward to seeing Jesus Himself, that perspective gives strength to persevere in righteous living and to swim against the ungodly cultural current. We should observe that one receives this crown not because a believer is just hoping for the Rapture to bail the believer out of present trouble, but is a longing to see the Savior Himself. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The days we are presently living in are increasingly characterized by evil. More and more we are shocked by the calling of good as evil, and evil as good. Our American culture is in a dramatic moral and spiritual decline. The government seems to be looking with less favor on those who identify with Jesus Christ and His standards of behavior. Our day seems to be resembling more and more the days of prisoner Paul in Rome. Whatever the comparison may be, we need to listen to the last words of this great apostle and keep an eye on “that day.” We need to clearly identify with the Lord Jesus and, by His grace and strength, be faithful to Him in the way we handle His truth and the way we live. It will be worth it on “that day.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the old verse goes: “only one life, it will soon be past, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> only what’s done for Christ will last.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “That day” is coming. </span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-25150715821349178792022-08-01T08:30:00.002-05:002022-08-01T08:38:38.204-05:00Greater Than The Exodus<p><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-cf14fe5a-7fff-edb5-be50-6af0c191415f"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God’s mighty hand was clearly evident in the days of Moses when the Lord broke the grip of Pharaoh and forcibly removed His people Israel out of Egypt in “the exodus”. God’s ten powerful plagues rocked Pharaoh and the people of Egypt, as the Nile River was turned into blood; as three days of thick darkness engulfed the land of Egypt; as a total destruction of the economy of Egypt took place by several more plagues; and finally, as the angel of death struck down the firstborn in every house not covered by the blood of a passover lamb. Then followed Israel’s exodus out of Egypt. Again, the Lord’s power was seen in the appearance of the pillar of cloud which protected Israel for a night against the Egyptian armed forces; which in turn was followed by the parting of the Red Sea, enabling Israel to flee on dry ground. With all that supernatural activity, it is no wonder that almost every Old Testament book after Exodus, in some way, mentions Israel’s exodus out of the land of Egypt.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, amazing as the exodus was (and it certainly was), it will be dramatically overshadowed by another powerful work of God which will be witnessed by all who live on the earth in the end times. The covenant-keeping God will bring about the return of His chosen people Israel from all over the world to the land given to Abraham. This final return of Israel will require even greater power on the Lord God’s part; greater than that needed in springing Israel from Egypt. The prophet Jeremiah expressed it this way.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when they no longer will say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up and led back the descendants of the household of Israel from the north land from all the countries where I had driven them.’ Then they will live on their own soil.” (Jeremiah 23:7-8)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today we are witnessing what Jeremiah wrote about. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are witnessing the Lord’s mighty hand removing His people from the gentile nations. We are witnessing millions of Jewish people returning to the Land given to Abraham 4,000 years ago. This is the final restoration of Israel before their messiah, our Lord Jesus returns to earth. There is no other restoration of the nation of Israel given in the Bible. This is it!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jeremiah’s contemporary, Ezekiel, repeatedly taught that this restoration has two distinct parts to it, and that there is a specific order to it. First, there is a physical restoration back to the land given to Abraham, and second, there is a spiritual restoration back to the Lord their God. The physical restoration of the Jewish people has been going on for all of the twentieth century. It began decades before Israel became a nation in 1948. Millions of Jewish people, from between 80 and 100 nations, have now returned to the Land.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is the first process of a physical return about done? That is a very real possibility. And if that is the present reality, it is about time for the spiritual return of Israel to the Lord their God. It is during the seven-year Tribulation period that millions of Jewish people will be saved (Rom. 11:25-27; Zech. 12:10). Israel must come to faith in Jesus, as He will not return to an unbelieving people (see Matt. 23:39). The beginning of Israel’s spiritual awakening takes place when God destroys the invading hordes at the Gog/Magog battle (Ezek. 38-39), which is probably immediately before the Tribulation period actually begins (Ezek. 39:22). (This battle was the subject of the February, 2022 Scofield article). Then, in the Tribulation, with the 144,000 Israelite evangelists blanketing the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, millions of Jews and gentiles will come to place their faith in Messiah Jesus, the Savior. The sheer number of those coming to faith in Jesus will make this the greatest time of evangelism in all of human history.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But let us return to Jeremiah 23 where the prophet speaks of the coming of Messiah and the establishment of His kingdom rule, which comes after the regathering of the Jewish people from all over the world. Jeremiah 23:1-8 is a condensed version of the truths found in much greater detail in Ezekiel 34-39. But there are several significant truths that Jeremiah makes.</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GOD HIMSELF IS GOING TO GATHER ISRAEL BACK TO THE LAND. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lord says that the leaders of Israel are evil, having exploited, neglected and abused the people of Israel (Jer. 23:1-2). In light of their careless indifference to God’s people, God Himself would assume the responsibility of gathering His scattered people from the gentile nations. God was committed to doing this, and He is doing it. Against all odds and all historical precedence, after some two millennia, He brings them back. But it is not easy, as the gentile kings and their people (not to mention Satan) will resist this return. Psalm 2:1-2 teaches that these plan and plot against God and His Anointed One. They actively fight against Them. But the great power of God, exceeding the powerful activities of the exodus, will bring this about. We can only imagine the millions of stories that already exist about how God’s intervention and power brought that family out of Russia, or that man out of Iran, or the group that came through an amazing series of events made it from Venezuela. I imagine that in Jesus’ kingdom, over a cup of perfectly brewed coffee, we will regularly listen to testimonies of God’s incredible power of deliverance and relocation. Even today, there are Arab people who call Israel “occupiers” of the land, and that the nation of returned Israelites should not exist. Yet, these who speak are the occupiers of Israel’s land and want to drive Israel into the sea (note the relevant discussion of this very thought process found in Ezekiel 35). But Israel is there to stay. In Psalm 2:6, the Father declares that He actually has already “installed His king” on Zion. In God’s eyes it is a done deal. His power will insure it all.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -10.8pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">NATIONAL ISRAEL WILL BE SAVED.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jeremiah 23:6 is quite clear. Israel shall be saved. Jesus, the OT prophets and the NT apostles all declare that God will redeem His people and bring them into the New Covenant (Jer. 31-31-34; Ezek. 36:24-28; Rom. 11:25-27). God, who always keeps His covenant commitments, will bring this second restoration to pass because He has promised to do so. Again, this spiritual salvation of Israel chronologically takes place after the physical return to the Land.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: 3.6000000000000014pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE MESSIANIC REIGN OF JESUS WILL THEN TAKE PLACE.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jeremiah lists many things that will characterize this kingdom when Jesus comes back to earth to rule as the king. Here are a few.</span></p></li></ol><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 3.6000000000000014pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Messiah Jesus will rule during the Messianic Kingdom. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Of course, Jesus will be fulfilling God’s covenant promises to King David (2 Samuel 7; Psalm 89) and as the son of David, will be the king of Israel, and king of the whole earth, which is His inheritance (Ps. 2:8; Heb. 2:5). His reign will be characterized by righteousness, and His dealings with His subjects will always be fair. It is hard for us today, surrounded by corruption, deceit, graft and injustice, to imagine a world that is led by a righteous leader. It is also pointed out (23:5) that the Messiah will rule wisely. He rules with God’s wisdom, always doing what is best for all in His kingdom. Again, this is hard to fully comprehend because no such rulers exist today.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 3.6000000000000014pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There will be other righteous rulers in this kingdom.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jesus will not be the only notable, good ruler. Jeremiah 23:4 teaches that God is going to establish many righteous rulers. Who are these? We know that David will be ruling under Messiah Jesus (Ezek. 34:23-24). The Twelve Apostles will have rulership responsibilities over Israel (Matt. 19:28). And many OT and NT scriptures declare that </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">faithful</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> believers will get to be part of the administration in Messiah’s kingdom. Wow! That is something to look forward to for sure. Jeremiah speaks of the totally different lives that His people will have. They will have leaders who take good care of them, with the result that they will live their lives in complete security and without any fear and stress (23:4, 6).</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 3.6000000000000014pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This messianic age will be a time of prosperity.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jeremiah 23:3 tells us what we would expect. Prosperity in every area will be what characterizes this 1,000-year reign of Christ (Rev. 20:1-10). As parallel scriptures are studied, it is revealed that there is non-material prosperity, as this era will be dominated by peace, joy, freedom and the presence and ministries of the Holy Spirit. A life with no fear, guilt or anxiety. A world characterized by joy and peace is what the Messiah has in store for His people. And, as most Bible students are aware, the rejuvenated earth will produce in abundance as it never has before. Desert regions will be fertile and fruitful (Isa. 35). Physically, abundance will be the lot of God’s people. And there will be prosperity in the health of mankind, as disease and deformities no longer are part of our experience (Isa. 35). Even so, come Lord Jesus!</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FOR US TODAY</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 14.399999999999999pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For all believers, our best days lie ahead of us. We cannot, of course, set dates, but we can observe what is happening in our world right now. God, in great power, is bringing His covenant people back to their land. After God scattered them (Ezek. 36:19), He is fulfilling His promise and bringing them back. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are witnesses to this powerful working of God</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> on behalf of His people Israel. What we are seeing is no fluke event, lucky break or religious hallucination. It is God at work. A work which signals that we are in the end of the end times. For we who are in the church, this should be a “heads up” that our final redemption is close at hand. Each of us would be wise to ask, “am I rapture ready?” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 14.399999999999999pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The OT prophets spoke without stuttering about the first coming of the Messiah, the son of David. And people waited and waited. But God was not a minute late or early about the timing of Jesus’ entrance into the world through Mary. The Apostle Paul said, “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His son, born of a woman…” (Gal. 4:4). He came. And while we wait for His return, we need to daily remind ourselves that “in the fullness of time, Jesus will return to this world, and to a regathered people who will believe in Him.” As those who have put our trust in Jesus, may we covenant with ourselves and with our Lord Jesus to live ever more intentionally for Him TODAY. After all, He is going to return. Perhaps today.</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-22839429641492141822022-07-01T08:30:00.001-05:002022-07-01T08:30:00.197-05:00THE BIBLE’S VIEW OF THE COMING GLOBALISM<span id="docs-internal-guid-84c60311-7fff-91e3-8c43-ab3d91031041"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">We live in a very divided country, with some promoting globalism, while others are focused on American nationalism. Globalists, often led by people with political power and/or incredible wealth, do not like people who promote the greatness of America. Nationalists resist the idea of a new world order. Globalists push for a new world order. They often use socialist/communist ideas as they work towards a one-world structure. In their view equality, peace and prosperity for all can be reached only if the world would rid itself of the focus on individual nations. Authority needs to be centered in one place. But as believers, we need to remember that nations were God’s idea and were established for mankind’s benefit (Genesis 11). We can be pretty sure, therefore, of the real origin of this alternate idea; another doctrine of demons. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those “Progressives” (“regressive” might be a better designation) push for a centralized world government, understanding that nationalism needs to be dealt with and diminished. So, if you are wondering why we have people in places of authority who appear to be bent on diminishing the United States, it is because they want to lessen its power and position; something which is necessary for a “new world order.” Their unrighteous policies and purposeful attacks on God’s standards of morality, family and life itself should be resisted. That we need to do. However, having done what we can, we need to remember that globalism will eventually win out because the scriptures say so. There are actually two different forms of globalism coming according to the Bible. The first one is Satan’s one world order, and the second is the one world government headed up by Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE COMING GLOBALISM OF THE EVIL ONE</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The first form of globalism that will come is the one created by the Devil and his minions; demons and evil people. The Scriptures set forth a number of key points about this coming control of the world by Satan and his forces.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1) </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Satan is the “god of this world” who has power over the nations of the world.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Apostle John clearly declared that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). And Satan, in his temptations of the Lord Jesus, offered to give Jesus the kingdoms of the world in exchange for bowing down to him (Luke 4:5-7). It should be noted that Jesus did not bow down, but did not deny that Satan had such authority. It is, therefore, clear that the Devil is going to be the force behind the future globalism, through which he plans to be worshipped and exalted. So, this is a matter of major concern to the Devil. It is the direction he passionately desires the world to go. And he has many with power and money who are on board with his goal.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(2) </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Satan’s future globalization is centered on a man.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Most people, who have some knowledge of the Bible, know about the Antichrist. Satan gives to him great power and authority which will extend to every people group and nation (Rev. 13:7). For the first time ever, a man will actually be a dictator of the whole world. This, of course, means he will do what Jesus did not do, and that is worship Satan. And Antichrist will have another individual (named the False Prophet) who will exercise religious and economic authority (under the Antichrist) over the whole earth (Rev. 13:14). The emphasis of scripture is on the whole earth being dominated by these.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(3) </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are stages in this Satanic globalization.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> While there can be interpretive differences at this point, normal, grammatical interpretation appears to lead to the following understanding. The Antichrist will become the ruler of one western nation. As the ruler of this one nation, he will militarily defeat three other western nations. As Daniel 7:8 and 24 foretell, he will “subdue” them by force. Apparently, seven other nations simply submit to Antichrist (Rev. 17:17). So, Antichrist now heads up an eleven-nation western empire. This takes place in the first half of the seven-year period of the Tribulation. Antichrist is declared to be a “man of war” because he is very skilled at warfare (Dan. 11:41-45; Matt. 24:6; Rev. 6:4). Then, at the mid-point of the Tribulation several game-changing events take place and he is catapulted into his role as world ruler (under Satan). Revelation declares that “the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast (Antichrist)”, and “authority to act for forty-two months (second half of the Tribulation) was given to him” and he was given “authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation” (13:3, 5, 7). This second half of the Tribulation will be the closest Satan ever gets to his goal of being like God and worshipped. And, though many have desired it, this will be the closest any man ever gets to be dictator of the entire world.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(4) </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This move towards globalization will not go smoothly because of the inherent sinful and rebellious nature of man.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The delusional socialists of our day believe in the inherent goodness of man. They think that man is good at his core, but is corrupted by society, capitalists, injustices, racism and other things. But man is not good. He is sinful and born that way. This reality will be manifested in the seemingly constant conflicts and resistance to the Antichrist (and Satan) in his rise to power (Matt. 24:7). Antichrist is constantly at war. And even as the Tribulation draws to its end, “the kings of the whole world” rally to war in the campaign of Armageddon (Rev. 14:19; 16:14). While it is true that they all unite against Christ when the “sign of the Son of Man” appears in the heavens (Matt. 24:30), it is highly unlikely that they originally came with their armed forces to do battle with the Lord Jesus (They would have had no clue that He was coming very shortly). More probable is that their sinful, rebellious nature propelled them into the “winepress of the wrath of God” to unseat the Antichrist. It appears that the future globalization of the Evil One will be an ongoing struggle and not some utopia. Universal peace, prosperity and bliss can never happen because of the evil, sinful nature of mankind. This is a point lost on today’s globalists.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE COMING GLOBALISM OF THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As would be expected, God’s future globalization is in stark contrast to what the counterfeiter Satan will produce. There are several basic truths about this.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1)</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God’s future globalization is centered in the God-Man, Christ Jesus.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Bible is clear that the Lord Jesus is the One who will fulfill the great covenants of the Old Testament. As the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus will rule on a refurbished earth for one thousand years (Rev. 20:1-10). People of the Book have longingly looked ahead to this time and to His coming. He is the focus of this coming age. God, on oath, has declared that this will take place (Ps. 89:3-4, 27-37), and in fact, God the Father has already established Messiah’s rule on Mt. Zion (Ps. 2:6).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(2) <u>There are no stages in God’s globalization.</u></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It will come suddenly, dramatically and powerfully as Jesus returns to earth in power and great glory (Rev. 19:11-21). It is at His Second Coming that He sits on His throne and rules in His kingdom (Matt. 25:31). At that time, all living unbelievers will be judged and sent to Hades, which means that on Day #1 of His messianic kingdom, there are only believers on the earth. All the earth and all the nations of the earth are declared to be the “inheritance” of Messiah Jesus (Ps. 2:8). Daniel 7:14 adds that “to Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him.” Hebrews 2:5 teaches that God the Father has given ruling authority, not to angels, but to the Son who will rule over the “inhabited earth” (that is, Jesus’ rule is not in heaven but on the earth where people live). Jesus Messiah ruling over all the nations is God’s idea of globalization.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(3) <u>This move into globalization will go smoothly.</u></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u> </u>The prophets are abundantly clear that righteousness is what will characterize the kingdom of Messiah (Isa. 11:4-5). The world will live according to God’s righteous standards. There will be no challenge of Christ’s righteous rule. Those born in the kingdom age will still have a sin nature and should they externally sin and rebel, they will experience immediate judgment. Psalm 2:9 states that He will “rule with a rod of iron.” The “rod of iron” is found in the book of Revelation (2:26, 27; 12:5; 19:15). There will be no outward sinning and challenging of King Jesus. There is zero tolerance for rebellion and blasphemy by criminals. (Won’t that be a refreshing change!)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 14.399999999999999pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Bible is quite clear on the issue of globalization. Evil globalization will come first, and will briefly flourish, and then be swept away forever by the grand and glorious globalization of the Almighty One. This is the future.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 21.6pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 14.399999999999999pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Satan has always counterfeited God’s perfect plans and ideas. Undoubtedly, the Evil One’s idea of globalization is stolen from what will be true when the Lord Jesus Christ reigns over all the earth. His will be a magnificent kingdom, which will be characterized by peace, joy, meaningful, abundant living. This is our future, thanks to the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross.</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-16570780486700114912022-06-01T08:30:00.001-05:002022-06-01T08:30:00.390-05:00COMING INTO THE SANCTUARY OF GOD<span id="docs-internal-guid-87e392ee-7fff-157d-70cd-7fa934f20ce7"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Asaph looked at the world around him and saw how evil flourished and how the people that could care less about God and His righteous ways, had wealth, power and seemed to avoid so many of life’s troubles. They were godless but had it so good. Apparently, he thought, devoting oneself to serving the Lord God was not all that it was advertised to be. He became discouraged and depressed (Psa, 73:1-14). Why wasn’t God doing something about all this unrighteous behavior and godless attitudes? This troubled condition remained with Asaph until he “came into the sanctuary of God” (Psalm 73:17). That changed him. There he was reminded of God’s fixed, ultimate realities.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Often as God’s believing people, we today have Asaph’s perspective, as we look at people with money and power who dominate the world stage, but have no use for God’s standards. These are often the “movers” and “shakers” in our culture. These can be found in great numbers in politics, business and in the world of entertainment and athletics. Many of them have a deep-seated hatred for Christianity. And they do what they can to set aside God’s standards regarding marriage, life and sexuality. They promote all kinds of evil. Concerning such people, the Apostle Paul states: “they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” (Romans 1:32). But nevertheless, these seem to prosper in many and varied ways. They seem to dictate our cultural life. The solution for any believer who feels like Asaph (which most of us have at one time or another) is to enter God’s sanctuary; that is, return to God’s truth and see what He has says is going to take place. Things which He, on oath, has promised to be true. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let’s take a minute and get back into the Scriptures (enter the sanctuary of God), and be reminded of some things that God declared will come to pass. It is unlikely that Asaph learned brand new truths when he “entered the sanctuary”. But there he was reminded of truth that had drifted into the background of his thinking; truth which no longer was directing his day-by-day living. For believers today, the following two truths always help us shed the “Asaph syndrome”. </span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God’s Sovereign Control and His Predetermined Plan</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Almighty One is longsuffering when dealing with sinful people, but that must never be interpreted as indifference to evil or impotence in dealing with rebels. He has purposes which, without any doubt at all, will come to pass, and that perhaps very soon. King David, in Psalm 2, noted that the leaders of nations, as well as their people, rage against God’s standards and authority over them. They want Him out of their lives. These arrogant, foolish people actually think that the Creator can be dismissed from their lives. (Does this sound at all familiar?) Their wicked scheming and their power seem irresistible. And the believer appears powerless before them.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But the Almighty God is not at all impressed, nor is He intimidated by great men and powerful nations. The Prophet Isaiah put it this way:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 18pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales….All the nations are as nothing before Him, they are regarded as less than nothing and meaningless….He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. Scarcely have they been planted, scarcely have they been sown, scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, but He merely blows on them, and they wither, and the storm carries them away like stubble. To whom then will you liken Me that I should be his equal? Says the Holy One.” (Isaiah 40:15, 17, 23-25)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Isaiah is pretty clear about how fragile and temporary are these “great” ones. This is clearly something we need to remember when having an “Asaph moment.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting back to Psalm 2, David informs us that God “laughs” and “scoffs” at these leaders and their people. The time is coming, and perhaps right soon, when His patience will end and He will in “anger” and “fury” judge these arrogant creatures of His. God’s coming wrath on these, whether in the period of the Tribulation (Rev. 6-18) or at the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:12-15), will silence these rebels forever. Their horrifying and crushing judgment will force them to bow the knee and confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord (Phil. 3:9-11). This undeniable truth regarding their terrible end is a significant point that shook Asaph out of his distorted, demoralizing thinking (Ps. 73:17) when he entered the sanctuary of God. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the same holds true for us. These prideful, foolish unbelievers may appear to be unbeatable. They may seem to have irresistible power. But their time of fame and power are brief, and they face the anger and fury of the Almighty. This profound truth must not be forgotten or marginalized in our thinking. It is not fashionable today to speak about the judgment of God and His wrath to come. But unless these people repent and turn to the Lord Jesus Christ, there are horrors that are coming upon them unlike anything they have experienced before, or even imagined. The coming wrath of God is very real and it does give perspective to us as we view our current culture.</span></p><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Trumpet Announcing Our Last Days</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus promised that since He was going away to heaven, He would return for us, His people (John 14:3). And Jesus always keeps His promises. This return will be signaled by a blast from God’s trumpet, declaring the end of the church age on the earth and the beginning of our entrance into an incredible, magnificent, glorious future (1 Thess. 4:13-17). When we hear the loud sound of the trumpet, we will immediately be changed and receive our glorified, resurrection bodies, which will give to us a much greater capacity to understand and appreciate the great days that we will begin experiencing. Not only will the trumpet sound, but simultaneously Jesus will shout (“come up here”?) and Michael the Archangel will speak (ordering Satan’s forces out of the way?). What a moment of introduction that will be. (It does seem so much closer these days!). </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Following this meeting in the air with Jesus and myriads of angels and saints, we will return to heaven and experience the amazing time of Jesus generously rewarding His faithful servants. This is then followed by that wonderful moment of the “marriage of the Lamb”, when the church is uniquely, and forever, united to Jesus. Great will be the rejoicing and the enjoyment will be unparalleled. Then, with King Jesus, we will return to the newly conquered earth where we will thoroughly enjoy the “marriage supper”, which is the millennial/messianic age. And what a time that will be. The dominant atmosphere of this age is that of joy (Heb. 1:9; 12:2; Ps. 45:6; Matt. 25:21). What a change from this age which is dominated by stress, pain, grief, disappointment and distress. The rule of Messiah Jesus will be characterized by peace, not by conflict between neighbors, families and nations (Isa. 9:6); characterized by righteousness, not by injustice, evil and hypocrisy (Isa. 11:4-5); characterized by prosperity and health, not by the curse, poverty and disease (Isa. 35:1-10). Our Savior reigns supreme and what a one thousand years that will be!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then, if that isn’t good enough, the Creator God will bring into existence a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). It is a return to God’s “plan A” which was inaugurated in Eden. Forever, we will experience paradise conditions, full unhindered fellowship with our Savior-God; and lives that have meaning and satisfaction to them. And that is our forever situation. Eternity really is a long, blessed time!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Asaph went into God’s sanctuary and got his thinking adjusted with biblical truth, he had to admit: “what was I thinking?” Or as he actually stated it: “then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.” (Psa. 73:21-24). </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you been having some “Asaph moments” in recent days as you observe the juggernaut of unrighteousness plowing its way through this world of ours? It happens to most of us at one time or another. Perhaps, at this moment you might find it helpful to spend some time in the sanctuary of God? We should remember two basic things. First, the best of times and the worst of times lie ahead, perhaps right around the corner. For unbelievers who remain in stubborn rebellion against God, it will be the very worst of times. For believers, our best days lie ahead of us, thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the second thing to remember is that we are placed, at this time and in this culture, to be lights in this ever-darkening world. Paraphrasing Mordecai’s words to Queen Esther: “We are not here by accident, but have been placed here in this culture at this time to shine for Jesus Christ”. This is not the hour to retreat to the safety of our basements to ride out the storm. Each of us needs to purposely and daily make ourselves available to the Light of the World. It is amazing what Jesus can do with the believer who is available to Him. And it is amazing the change in us when we “enter the sanctuary of God.”</span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-19532626781964222202022-05-01T08:30:00.001-05:002022-05-01T08:30:00.221-05:00Troubled Times: Fertile Ground For False Prophets<p><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4a2c1af9-7fff-ff31-2642-4f13c3fe4d6e"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> <span> </span></span>It does seem that when people and nations are facing difficult and stressful times that there arises an abundance of those who claim to have a special word from God. And these are often given a hearing. Perhaps this is because people, in troubling times, are generally anxious to know what is going to take place and are more susceptible to listen to someone who claims to have a word from God. The Lord Jesus spoke of such a thing being true in the Tribulation period when He stated: “many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many” (Matt. 24:11). This coming troubling time indeed will produce many falsely claiming to speak for the true God.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FALSE PROPHETS IN THE PAST</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span>In the days when Judah was under the irreversible judgment of God, Jeremiah exposed false prophets who rose up in his day claiming to speak for Jehovah. Jeremiah made observations that were true in his day and in ours as well. Jeremiah noted that they claimed God as their authority; but God said, “I have heard what the prophets have said who falsely prophesy in My name, saying, I had a dream, I had a dream!’ (23:25). And also, “they speak a vision of their own imagination, not from the mouth of the Lord” (23:16). Their claim was that God had spoken to them through their dreams. But their dreams did not come from the Lord, meaning that they were either self-generated or that they came from the Evil One. These false prophets were countering Jeremiah’s message from the Lord that Babylonian judgment was coming; and instead, were saying “you will have peace” and that “calamity will not come upon you” (23:17). The consequences of listening to the false prophets were that Judah was “led astray” (23:32); that Judah will “forget My name” (23:27); and that Judah was led “into futility” (23:16). The messages of the false prophets were things that the people wanted to hear, but the end result would be so very damaging. And this is always the case with false prophets.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ezekiel, who also ministered in those troubling times of Babylonian judgment, also noted that the false prophets were those “who prophesy from their own inspiration (heart)” (Ezek. 13:2). He forcefully emphasized that their pronouncements were “lying divinations” (13:6, 7, 9), and that the result was that God’s people were being “misled” (13:10). Ezekiel exhorted them instead to “listen to the word of the Lord” (13:2).</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FALSE PROPHETS OF TODAY</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The phenomenon of troubling times producing false prophets continues today in the church. However, unlike the days of the Old Testament prophets, today we have the internet which has become the fertile ground for producing hundreds of such false prophets. Very recently, I watched a “prophet” tell a group of his latest dream that he had received, allegedly directly from the Lord. To me, the content of the dream was bizarre at best. (Perhaps it was something he ate just before bedtime.) But what struck me in a greater way was the response of those who listened to him. They were enthralled, enthusiastic and excited about this latest word from God. There was no questioning of his claim that this came from God, and an absolute acceptance of the interpretation of this bizarre dream. Zero discernment was exhibited. And there was simply no turning to the Scriptures to give support, or to challenge, this supposed new word from the Lord God. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In watching such false prophets, certain realities are clearly there. First, there is no exposition of the inspired Scriptures. Any passing references to the Scriptures are lifted out of context and generally misused. Second, it becomes clear that the Bible is not adequate in and of itself. This is, of course, the fundamental problem with the claim that the gift of prophecy is for today. The Apostle Peter declared that everything we need to live godly lives is found in the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:3-4). Today’s “prophets” are saying, “no, the Scriptures are not complete and we need more for life today”. Peter could not disagree more. Third, if one would take the time to research these “prophets”, it would be discovered that they often have past prophecies that never came to pass. For example, there were many “prophets” who declared that God had spoken to them and told them that Donald Trump was going to be reelected in the last election (and this includes the “prophet” that I mentioned earlier that I was listening to). Now, of course, reasons are given as to why they misspoke, but Deuteronomy 18:22 gives no such wiggle room. Moses clearly said that a real prophet of God is </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">never</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> wrong. And incidentally, false prophets were to be executed (18:20). Implementing that verse might well cut down on the sheer number of false prophets today.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">OUR RESPONSE AND PERSPECTIVE TODAY</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The phenomenon of false prophets in times of trouble is a reality for us to deal with today. So, what should be our response and perspective in light of these ever-growing number of prophets?</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -14.25pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">REJECT THEIR CLAIMS. The question is not “can God raise up prophets”? Of course, He can. But will He modify what He has said about His own word? The issue is the adequacy of God’s inspired Word. Once the canon of Scripture was completed there was no longer a need for apostles or prophets. The Apostles of Christ were the designated channels through whom Christ’s revelation would come (see John 16:12-14). The Apostles authenticated the truth given to them through the working of miracles (2 Cor. 12:12). These alone were responsible to communicate God’s new revelation to the church. Anyone today can make claims about their visions and dreams, but they are not apostles and are simply part of a long line of false prophets. Always, analyze them, their claims and their “prophecies” in light of the authoritative, inspired Word of God. They will always end up terribly inadequate and erroneous. There really is no biblical reason for accepting their authoritative claims.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: decimal; margin-left: -14.25pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FOCUS ON THE SCRIPTURES AND THEIR TEACHINGS.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.75pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, the Bible is to be our focus. I would suggest that there are three prophetic areas that we might especially consider as we think about the future of this planet. First, as always, zero in on the nation of Israel. There is no question that Israel, not the United States, is the focus of biblical prophecy. Prophecies that teach us about the final restoration of Israel are important to think about. God declared that there would be a two-fold restoration of national Israel (Ezek. 34-37). First, there would be a political/geographic restoration out of the nations of the world back to the land given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This geographic restoration, when completed in God’s eyes, would then bring about the second restoration; a spiritual restoration back to the Lord God. This spiritual restoration will take place during the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27), also known as the Tribulation. We are seeing what appears to be the final times of the first restoration, which means that the second will likely soon follow.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.75pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A second prophetic focus is on Europe. As one analyzes Daniel 7, it becomes apparent that the restoration of the old Roman Empire, to some extent, is the focus of the first days of the Tribulation period. The Antichrist will rise to power and become the dominant ruler of an eleven-nation confederacy, which would put the action in Europe. Antichrist will conquer three of those European nations and, apparently, the other seven will simply acquiesce to his demands and submit to him (see also Rev. 17:12-18). The Antichrist does not arise from one of the 10 nations but comes from an eleventh nation. It is within the realm of possibility that NATO’s return to life in the current Russia-Ukraine war could end up having significance.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.75pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9185eb55-7fff-2899-748b-7562f7014d57" style="text-indent: 0px; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 14.25pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">A third focus is on the Gog-Magog war of Ezekiel 38-39, which involves Russia, Iran and numerous Islamic nations. Their massive invasion of Israel will bring about their complete destruction and will be the event that triggers the beginning of Israel’s spiritual restoration (Ezek. 39:22). This passage was discussed in our February, 2022 article. The exact timing of this war is not absolutely certain, but would appear to be just prior to the actual beginning of the Tribulation. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.75pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 14.25pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i>A FINAL THOUGHT.</i></u></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We, of course, have many other prophecies to think about and focus on, such as the Rapture and the Judgment Seat of Christ. So, we are not saying that the above three things are to be the entirety of our focus. But God has given to His people all that we need to know about the future. We, therefore, must also remember then not to give ground to these self-proclaimed men and women who say that God has spoken to them and thus they are speaking authoritatively and prophetically for Him. They are not. We must kindly, but firmly, resist these claims and give due diligence to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and to those Apostles of His who spoke all that we needed to know. Our task is to become better students of His Word. </span></p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-21953490372248210202022-04-03T20:52:00.002-05:002022-04-03T20:52:54.486-05:00CURRENT EVENTS AND THE COMING OF JESUS- Dr. Benware<p><br /></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8f12c343-7fff-ada5-6d1e-0a21cfe2368e"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The believer who holds to the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ constantly lives in a tension of truths. One set of those truths involves the statements of the Lord Himself. He said we cannot know the exact time of end time events, yet He also stated that we should be observant to the events around us, which signal the end of days. So when dealing with prophecy and current events we feel this tension so much of the time. Probably many believing people had this experience at the time of the first coming of Jesus. Luke’s gospel reveals that there were some people (probably because of Daniel’s prophecy of the 70 weeks) who were expecting their Messiah to arrive very shortly in Israel. And sure enough, at just the right moment, God sent forth His Son into the world born of the Virgin Mary.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, as we contemplate the world around us, we do see movements and events which, like storm clouds, are growing dark and ominous. They definitely could be indicating end time events. But like the believers at the time of Jesus’ first coming, they didn’t know for sure until “at just the right moment, God sent for His Son.” We live in such a time of the tension of truth. Some points for us to consider.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(1) THE RUSH TOWARDS GLOBALISM. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most of those connected with Scofield Ministries know that Revelation 13 is crystal clear that the end game for Satan is to rule the world and be worshiped. This he will accomplish through the Beast (a.k.a. the Antichrist) and the False Prophet. A one world society is not what God desired but it is what the Evil One wants. God’s idea was to have nations, and Satan is always against God’s ways and plans. Globalists today want to create a one world order, apparently not knowing (or caring) that this is a demonic idea. Just a few weeks ago President Biden stated: “Things are shifting. There is a New World Order forming and we have to lead it.” Now, I don’t know if this is his idea or one of his handlers, but whatever the human source, it is a demonic philosophy which will fully mature in the Tribulation period. This openness to a one world order will materialize, whether sooner or later. But it is with us today and is growing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Covid pandemic revealed and brought about some amazing realities. We saw how fragile “strong” people were, and the willingness to submit to most anything an authoritarian government required. This attitude is what will be true in the end times of the Tribulation. The globalists saw how the global economy could be manipulated and how it brought about the largest transference of wealth in the history of the world. The pandemic excited them. Now, as never before, we too can imagine how the world could be economically controlled by the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and the infamous “666”. More world crises will accelerate the move towards globalism and especially if a person arises who can grab hold of the reins and bring some order from the chaos. And believers know who that will be. (Read Revelation 13)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(2) THE DISINTEGRATING OF MORALITY IN WESTERN CULTURE. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is the west where the Antichrist arises and where, along with the nation of Israel, end time events are focused. Western culture is important in the end times. Satan’s purpose of pushing for gay marriage, rampant immorality, trangenderism, homosexual and lesbian lifestyles is to destroy the family as God created it. When one looks carefully at the Mosaic Law code given to Israel, it becomes clear that the family was essential to the health of that nation. So for example, kidnapping and adultery (which struck at the heart of a family) were capital crimes. The kidnapper and the adulterer were put to death. The destruction of the God-ordained family is a huge step forward for this one world, new world order. Families, which are central to nations, need to be muted in their influence. So we should not be surprised when the Disney Corporation states that ideas of gay marriage and transgenderism will be a central part of their stories. We should not be surprised when school boards approve and push for so many family destroying ideas. Who would have thought that having drag queens read stories to kindergarteners was a great idea. Who would have thought that encouraging first graders to contemplate whether or not they would like to change their sexual orientation was healthy? All of it comes from the Evil One, and it does support Satan’s purpose in bringing about the end game.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(3) THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR. </span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We wrote a little about this last month as we thought about the Gog-Magog war of Ezekiel 38 and 39. Because of Russia’s mounting war crimes and their growing isolation from the nations of the world, this seems to be a war with long-term consequences, no matter how the hot war ends. As we noted, if this war morphs into the middle-east (Syria, Iran, etc.) then that hot war of Ezekiel could be on the immediate horizon. This would bring the world into the event of the end times. But there are other matters that this current war influences as well. For example, Ukraine is a breadbasket for Europe and many other nations. Just last week a Ukrainian farmer said that at least 30% of their fields will not be planted. This is part of the reason why predictions of the coming scarcity of food is being talked about by many. Famine does become a significant component of life in the Tribulation period. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the first time in a long time NATO sees its need to be far stronger militarily. The empire of the Antichrist emerges in Europe with his eleven nation confederacy. And at that time, the world at large recognizes that the Antichrist is a man of war and one who likely cannot be defeated. We, of course, don’t know what the outcome will be of the present war in Ukraine, but it appears that this war will have continuing worldwide effects on a number of fronts. The ripple effect could continue into the Tribulation period.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is not Grampa’s world nor is it his culture. We cannot go back to those days. We know that God is truth and He is sovereign. What He says will come to pass and He is not impressed or intimidated by Putin, Biden, Xi, or anyone else. (Read Psalm 2 and Isaiah 40). We know this. But these theological realities do not set aside what His people might be doing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WHAT SHOULD FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST DO?</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be bold and proactive in sharing the gospel. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Life has changed and it seems very unlikely that we will ever return to “normal.” We as believers in the coming King, need to look in the mirror and probably make some changes. This is no time for us to be “silent witnesses”. If you are nervous and a bit stressed by world events, can you imagine what an unbelieving person with no real hope feels like. We know because of the rising suicide rate, the increasing use of alcohol and drugs to mute life and just the general despair out there. We need to be asking the Spirit of God daily to help us speak up for Jesus and communicate the gospel. The “great commission” is not just for pastors and church workers. These folks need the Savior and witnessing “by our lives”, though important, is not enough. This is the great need.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be bold and proactive in our personal worlds. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being active in doing what we can to support that which is right and good. We are not called to clean up the culture, but where issues of God’s truth and righteousness are involved, then isn’t it a righteous thing to be proactive? Encourage the men and women who are directly in this culture war with support. Vote for those who support the standards of God. If the local school board needs to be rebuked for its demonic ideas, speak up. Boycott Disney, and let them know. There are numerous avenues we can follow.</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am not advocating “bringing in the kingdom” by our efforts. But just like Daniel and Joseph impacted the pagan world of their day and pleased God in doing so, we probably could do as well.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We need to become fearless. If a person fears God, they will not fear men. For some of us, we are afraid of what men could do to us and so we fail to look for and expect opportunities to represent Christ in our public worlds. What are we willing to set aside or give up to represent Christ in a public way?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You remember that Mordecai reminded Esther that she was in her position for “such a time as this.” You and I are here in America at such a time as this because that is where the Lord has sovereignly placed us. World events and cultural trends say this could be the final days. God is sovereign and His plans will not be thwarted. But this does not set aside our need to represent our Lord Jesus Christ in such a time as this. </span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6896823449231469674.post-67806400298240321832022-02-28T20:05:00.000-06:002022-02-28T20:05:22.168-06:00Ukraine, Russia, Gog And Magog<span id="docs-internal-guid-0363bee3-7fff-c724-c8ee-51d54f95d76b"><p role="presentation" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> <span> </span></span>Much of the world’s attention is presently focused on the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. And at this moment, it is unclear how this new war in Europe will turn out. Wars are messy things, and the reporting of them is often murky at best. But many believers, knowledgeable of Ezekiel’s prophecies (Ezek. 38 and 39) wonder if the attempt by Russia to take over Ukraine has any biblical significance, particularly in relationship with the Gog/Magog battle of the end times. There are some basic truths and some present realities that should be considered.</span></p><ol style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Russia is the leader of the invasion of Israel discussed in Ezekiel 38. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back in the 19</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;">th</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> century, the lexicographer Gesenius identified “Rosh” as Russia. Since then, there has been a focused study on identifying the players in the Ezekiel 38-39 battle. There is now good, solid evidence that the names involved (going all the way back to the table of nations in Genesis 10) ended up north of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea; the territory of modern-day Russia and some other countries. Ezekiel is quite clear that the leading invaders come from the extreme north (north of Israel), and there is only one nation that is in the furthermost north country, and that is the nation of Russia. Russia will be joined by Iran (called Persia by Ezekiel) and a number of other Islamic countries in this coming invasion of Israel.</span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 16.5pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The leader of Russia is called “Gog” and is seen as a man who is quite arrogant and sees himself as a great conqueror who cannot be defeated. He believes he can take Israel because of the huge, well-equipped army that he puts together. He is, of course, dead wrong. But being wrong, delusional and extremely self-focused has never deterred Gog-like tyrants in the past and will not in the future. </span></p><ol start="2" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The territory of Ukraine is part of the territory of the invading forces. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is unclear as to the outcome of the present invasion of Ukraine, but looking at a map reveals that Ukraine is, in fact, part of the territory that will house the invaders of Israel in the last days. Apparently, Ukraine will be absorbed by Russia at some time prior to the Ezekiel battle.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The timing of the Ezekiel battle is in the last days. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ezekiel specifically refers to the “latter years” (38:8) and the “last days” (38:16), as well as several references to “that day” (38:14, 18; 39:8, 11). When Old Testament writers use these terms, they are referring to the days of Messiah’s coming, when God will bring about the fulfilling of His covenant commitments to His people Israel. While the timing of this battle has long been a subject of discussion among Bible students, it does seem that it will take place just before the Tribulation.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Russia and Israel today. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At this moment in time, the world’s attention is on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. However, Russia is presently saying and doing things which likely indicate some changes on the horizon. There seems to be a growing strain in the Russia-Israel relationship. These could be a pretext for future Russian aggression. Consider the following: (1) this past week in the United Nations, the Russian deputy ambassador said that “Russia does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights.” As most readers know, the Golan Heights are strategic to Israel’s ability to defend itself and Israel will never let go of that piece of real estate. This is no small matter. (2) Israel has, without Russian interference, bombed many places in Syria where Hezbollah was stockpiling rockets and ammunition. But now, the Russian rhetoric has changed and they are saying that these pre-emptive strikes are “crude violations of Syrian sovereignty.” And Russian jets are engaged with Syrian jets in “exercises” often near the Golan Heights. (3) The rhetoric also is changing to the point that the Israeli incursions into Syria are “problematic”. (4) Less known is Vladimir Putin’s delusion that he is the savior of the Christian world (here read the Russian Orthodox Church). And with the Russian Orthodox church’s presence in Jerusalem, one can only imagine what tales of abuse or offenses might be conjured up. Gog is going to devise an “evil plan” according to the prophet (38:10) when it comes to invading Israel.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The reason for the coming invasion of Israel. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ezekiel is quite clear that this invasion is motivated by several factors. One is the wealth that Israel has accumulated since becoming a nation. This is not the place to discuss the trillions of dollars in the Dead Sea minerals or the vast natural gas deposits of Israel’s coast. But Ezekiel 38:12-13 states that Israel’s wealth is definitely attractive. Israel’s strategic location (38:12) is also attractive to Russia. Since ancient times the land area of Israel has been that important bridge between Asia and Europe. And dictators, including Gog, see that land as a marvelous chunk of real estate. Israel occupies, as Ezekiel declares, the “center of the earth.” And we must not forget that Israel is hated by the nations of the earth. Antisemitism has been with us for millennia and one cannot imagine that it will not be a contributing factor in this end times attempt to annihilate Israel.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The One who engineers the invasion is God Himself. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important to note that it is God Himself who orchestrates when this invasion will take place. It almost seems that Gog really doesn’t want to do this, at least at this moment in time. So, God drags Gog down to the land of Israel (38:4, 8; 39:2). Whatever Gog’s timing and plans might be, he will be divinely forced to change his plans and head for his demise on the mountains of Israel. </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; list-style-type: decimal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The results of this coming invasion. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God always has purposes in what He does, even though we often don’t fully understand them. But God, through Ezekiel, has made clear His basic reasons for what He will do in this case. He will, using a variety of means, totally destroy Gog and his immense army. First and most important, the total destruction of Gog and his allies will trigger the nation of Israel coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (39:22). This destruction of a huge invading force will bring about a spiritual response in Israel similar to what took place when the army of Egypt was destroyed at the Red Sea in the days of Moses. The Scriptures are clear that the tribulation period exists primarily for the salvation of people, beginning with the nation of Israel. (The timing of this battle is not absolutely clear but probably occurs after the Rapture of the church and before the start of the tribulation period). God wants to save man and multiplied millions will come to faith in Jesus Christ during that time period. A second purpose is that the nations of the world will see God and respect Him in a way they haven’t for millennia (39:6-7, 21, 27). Today, so much of the world views the Lord Jehovah (if they think of Him at all) as being on vacation and out of touch with what is going on, or really powerless to do much about all this. That secular attitude towards the Creator God, which marginalizes the Lord God, will be dramatically changed. And while many will not turn to Him in faith, they will no longer dismiss Him as irrelevant as they do today. </span></p></li></ol><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some concluding thoughts.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Jesus was clear that predicting the exact time of end time events is something we are not capable of doing. So, we just can’t do that. Setting dates has always proved disastrous. However, Jesus also was clear that we are to be observant about what is going on in the world. And He warned that we must not “fall asleep” spiritually and be unprepared for the arrival of end time events. God, on oath, said He was going to do these things. Sometime might be our time. Therefore, being passive about all this is a really poor choice.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> So, as we observe events in our world and as we look at Scripture, we are to live intentionally for Him, keeping one eye on the heavens. If all of these current events do flow into last day events, we will not be unprepared. </span></p></span><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com