K1. GOD WANTS EVERYONE TO KNOW HIM & HIS PLAN

PRIVILEGE

• Born again followers of Christ eventually come to the realization we are blessed beyond imagination

• Not only do we get to LEARN about the God of the universe through personal experience and His Word, but we have ACCESS to our Father anytime we choose at a moment's notice!

• Nothing we have done allows this privilege aside from simply acknowledging God and accepting His gift of salvation; this is God's gift to everyone who has eyes to see!

• Christians can take no pride in accomplishing this status with the Heavenly Father

• We simply revel in knowing God at the most personal level and, like traffic cops, help point others to Him

RELATED COMMENTS

Note: each ** comment in this APPLICATION doc comes from CHAPTER doc(s), where the comments are in numerical order according to verse(s) from the chapter

** God, as initiator, reaches down from Heaven to reveal Himself to us, so God is known on earth and His will is known also  <R1795>

• How wonderful that God has spoken to us of His love, compassion and salvation

• Study God’s Word and ‘let your words be few’  

Ecclesiastes 5:2b NIV

[2] God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.

** It is not enough to know all things ABOUT Jesus Christ -- that He lived, was a good teacher, died on a cross, etc -- but every individual must put their TRUST in Him for their salvation  <M130>

• It is by faith alone that we can be saved

• Anyone who thinks their 'being good' will earn salvation are trusting in a works-based salvation

• According to the Bible, no one other than Jesus Christ offers salvation and there is nothing else we can do to earn salvation

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

[21] “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

[8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.

** God's Word is the powerful lifeblood for His followers  

• God expects every Christian to make a pledge to read and live out His Word in their life

• This helps them live life as a Christian, providing:

• Armor to help combat the enemy

• A plumb line to help discern falsehoods

• Prophecy to be prepared for what's coming

• Power to overcome temptation, and

• Guidance to avoid sinning against the Father

• Pledge allegiance to the Bible, God's Holy Word

• Pledge to make His Word a lamp for your feet and light for your path

• Pledge to hide God's Word in your heart so you can readily apply it when needed  <D502>

Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV

[10] As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, [11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

[12] For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

** God lifts the heads of His people; His followers can take comfort and feel honored for the Lord of the Universe knows each one by name!

Isaiah 43:1 NIV

[1] But now, this is what the Lord says---he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

• God's relationship with individuals is personal

• He is intimately aware of their lives, thoughts, and needs, addressing them individually by name

• God's children are not lost in the wilderness or buried in a divine spreadsheet somewhere, but known by God

• So we can lift up our head, for the Lord our God sees us!  <W212>

Psalm 139:1-4 NIV

[1] You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. [2] You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. [3] You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. [4] Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

Psalm 139:7-12 NIV

[7] Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? [8] If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. [9] If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, [10] even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. [11] If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” [12] even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Revelation 3:5 NIV

[5] The one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.

** Do not be afraid when speaking to others about God and Scripture, for He has already given you His written Word and will provide words to speak

1 Corinthians 2:13 NIV

[13] This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

Psalm 81:10 NIV

[10] I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

1 Peter 4:11a NIV

[11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.

** The concepts of 'running out of time' and 'finding yourself locked out' are to warn us of impending judgment -- from Noah's day to today!

• Noah preached for 100 years, and no one listened

• He built a giant ship in the middle of the desert, and the world of onlookers just scoffed and laughed at his foolishness

• The animal kingdom started acting bizarrely as two by two, every variety of creature marched across the land, coming from near and far to enter the new sea vessel, yet the people continued in their denial

• One day, the door was closed, and those onlookers felt a few drops of rain hit their skin, but they still didn’t want to believe

• But when the waters burst forth from beneath them and the heavy storms came upon them all at once, they were washed away by the flood before they knew what hit them and they were all gone

• The same thing will happen to this generation!

• The boat was assembled before everyone's eyes, just as the infrastructure of the Antichrist Beast System is being revealed today

• The raindrops are all around us now and we are only moments away from the Dams bursting

• And when they do, the flood of judgement will overtake the whole world Instantly!  <B315> (Sep 2025)

Luke 13:25-27 NIV

[25] Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ [26] “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ [27] “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’

** Do we realize that as New Testament saints, we will take part in the most spectacular event the world will ever see?  <B26>

• Some in the prophecy world combine events of the Rapture and Second Coming

• This viewpoint negates the possibility of the believer's thrilling return with Jesus, and doesn’t allow for sin and death in the Millennium

• Nor does it fit with the restoration of a kingdom for Israel since the Jewish people would meet Jesus in the air along with all the other members of the New Testament Church

• Those who believe in a 'combined event' and deny the Lord’s millennial rule, must make the Church Age the time when God puts all things in subjection to Himself and forever destroys death (1 Cor 15:24-28)

• Do we see Jesus bringing 'all things in subjection under Him' in our world during the current age?

•  No, the world is rapidly trending in precisely the opposite direction

• Separating the Rapture and Second Coming confirms the believer's participation in the most spectacular event that the world will ever see (Rev 19:11-16)

• Nothing in the history or future of our planet is even remotely comparable to the astonishing sight of Jesus’ future return to the world in great glory and power -- and we, as the armies of heaven, will be by His side!

Revelation 19:11-16 NIV

[11] I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. [12] His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. [13] He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. [14] The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. [15] Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. [16] On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.

1 Corinthians 15:24-28 NIV

[24] Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. [25] For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy to be destroyed is death. [27] For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. [28] When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

** Jesus spent His time in ministry preaching to crowds that gathered around Him; the power of Jesus' words alone were enough to inform the crowds and move people to accept the truth He shared  <F64>

• Admittedly, the practice of preaching has 'lost its appeal' in today's revival meetings

• Instead of expository preaching that delves into God's Word, organizers of revival meetings prioritize music and put together entertaining productions

• Granted, music is a powerful tool that taps into people's emotions, but emotion-based decisions to follow Christ are often short-lived when the feelings fade

• Churches all across our Western world have emotion-touching music and well-run programs but God is not hearing them when they have not taken an uncompromising stand on the Bible’s authority  <H82>

• People need to understand the full Biblical terms that God outlines in His Word before making a decision

• Perhaps the emotion-based 'message' they received appealed to their self-centered desire to 'gain inner strength and peace' to help them in their troublesome life?

• There are key foundational elements needed for a decision to follow Christ -- understanding the human sin condition, the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross to allow us salvation, the need for discipleship, the expectation of spiritual growth as a Christian, etc

• In this light, preaching from God's Word should be the primary vehicle to deliver a detailed gospel message

• Any 'extra' worship time (and other efforts) should support the verbal message that outlines the 'how and why' of making a decision for Christ

Mark 2:1-2 NIV

[1] A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. [2] They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them.

Luke 2:46-47 NIV

[46] After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. [47] Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers.

Matthew 4:4 NIV

[4] Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' ”

Romans 10:8-10 NIV

[8] But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: [9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

** God revealed Himself and His will to us, we do not need to ‘figure Him out’

• Manifold = multifaceted; God’s plan and purposes are multifaceted

• God’s plan, revealed in the Old Testament, seems so straightforward:

1. He chose a people and promised them redemption, a Savior King, and ultimate triumph
2. Then suddenly, the Son of God appeared as the promised King, but rejected by His people, then crucified and resurrected  <R1795>

Ephesians 1:8-9 NIV

that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, [9] he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

Ephesians 1:17-18 NIV

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. [18] I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

Ephesians 3:10-13 NIV

[10] His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, [11] according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. [12] In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. [13] I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

** Anyone thinking there is a different God in the Old Testament than the New Testament, needs to review the account of Anania and Sapphira when God put them to death because of their idolatry and sin of deceit  <M132>

• God could have chosen a different method of discipline, but He decided to lay down this marker instead

• God wanted to let everyone know how much He hates sin and that it will not be tolerated

• Don’t buy into the thinking there is a God of the New Testament that is only about grace and the Old Testament God is only about wrath

• God is both love AND justice and has been from the beginning, as is demonstrated in both Old and New Testaments

• God is God, so stop sinning!

Acts 5:3-10 NIV

[3] Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? [4] Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” [5] When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. [6] Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him. [7] About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. [8] Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” [9] Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” [10] At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

Psalm 33:5 NIV

[5] The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Hebrews 13:8 NIV

[8] Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

** God's unfailing love led Him to provide us with a way of salvation through Jesus Christ

Psalm 13:5 NIV

[5] But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

1 Thessalonians 5:8-9 NIV

[8] But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. [9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

** Just because God knew the outcome of our decision to follow Him (or not) before we decided, doesn't negate that we had freewill to choose when making it  <G70>

• God is all knowing and knows of every outcome

• Knowing about an outcome does not mean God CAUSED the outcome to occur  <T2097>

• Every person has the free will to choose what they want to do; God just knows about the decision ahead of time!

Ephesians 1:4,11-12 NIV

[4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. [11] In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, [12] in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

• Other passages in Scripture supporting a person's free will to choose Christ include:

Revelation 22:17 NIV

[17] The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Joshua 24:15 NIV

[15] But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 10:9 NIV

[9] I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.

• Dr Harry Ironside gave the illustration of the sinner coming to the door of salvation (John 10:9)

Above the door was a sign that says, "Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev 22:17). The sinner responds to this gracious invitation, trusts Christ and he is gloriously saved. He now turns around and looks at the door through which he had just entered. He sees above the door another sign which says, "Chosen...in Him before the foundation of the world" (Eph 1:4)

• Both God's foreknowledge and our freewill to choose are true

• Both are taught in the Bible

• Both must be believed

** Paul had to defend his apostleship authority because he was the only person or source at that time bringing the gospel message to the Gentiles  <M130>

• Notice how God would not allow anyone to kill His messenger Paul, despite the stoning, shipwreck, imprisonment, etc throughout his ministry

• The future of the gospel message in the Gentile world depended on this one man Paul

Galatians 1:1 NIV

[1] Paul, an apostle---sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead---

** Christians are to unlock from the pattern of this world and help lead others to do the same  <M1501>

Romans 12:2 NIV

[2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is---his good, pleasing and perfect will.

** The time is soon coming when God will pronounce judgment for all the evil done by His people; time is running short to get the message of salvation to those who will perish!  <M1501>

Amos 8:1-2 NIV

[1] This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: a basket of ripe fruit. [2] “What do you see, Amos? ” he asked. “A basket of ripe fruit,” I answered. Then the Lord said to me, “The time is ripe for my people Israel; I will spare them no longer.

** James encourages us to maintain our eager anticipation for the Lord's return  <L120>

• Living in this world as believers can be difficult and we get tired and frustrated as we see our culture trending in ways that defy God’s will

• So we look to the Lord’s return with anticipation, because it means our work here will be done and our eternal reward will begin

• But remember that God’s timetable is perfect

• The longer Christ’s return is delayed, the more opportunities unbelievers will have to hear His Good News and give their lives to Him

James 5:7-8 NIV

[7] Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. [8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

** There is only one way of salvation that has ever existed throughout the Scripture: namely, grace through faith  <R173>

• There is no such thing as the Old Testament God of wrath and the New Testament God of grace

• The Old Testament God of wrath is the one who showed grace toward the wicked city of Nineveh when its people repented in response to the message of Jonah

• The New Testament God of grace is the one who warned the church at Thyatira that if it continued to tolerate a false prophetess

• There is no difference between the God of the Old Testament and God of the New

• The Bible says God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8)

• God does not change (Mal 3:6)

Joel 2:32 NIV

[32] And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.

Hebrews 13:8 NIV

[8] Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Malachi 3:6 NIV

[6] “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

** The soon return of Jesus also carries with it a message for believers: lukewarm and carnal Christians are called to commit their lives to holiness  <R173>

Romans 13:12-14 NIV

[12] The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. [13] Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. [14] Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Colossians 4:2 NIV

[2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Titus 3:8-11,14 NIV

[8] This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. [9] But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. [10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. [11] You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. [14] Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

** Stop looking for logic and reason to understand what is happening in the world today

• Recognize the spiritual war that has overtly reared its ugly head

• We are witnessing God allowing delusion in every corner of society

• Evil is simply evil and cannot be reasoned with

• This doesn't mean believers in Christ have permission to sit back and do nothing

• We are still called to be an ambassador of Christ, bringing His light of truth and hope to a dying world

• Fortify your position against evil, having God and His Word as your Commander

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

[12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 John 5:18-20 NIV

[18] We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. [19] We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. [20] We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NIV

[20] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. [21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

** Will you make yourself available to God? Will you say, "Lord, I will labor in Your field"? No matter how much money you make, what career you follow, or whether you’re married or single, will you commit to never stop being available to God as a laborer in His field?

Who knows whether God has not put you where you are, at this moment, for such a time as this? This world is getting darker. The only hope for our world is a spiritual awakening. We have to get the gospel out. We have to redouble our efforts as never before because time is short. The devil knows this and, certainly, he is redoubling his efforts. He’s trying to drag as many people down as he possibly can. We need to go out and make a difference while we can!  <L120> (Jul 2024)

Luke 10:2 NIV

[2] He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

Mark 16:15-16 NIV

[15] He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

** God directed Moses to meet Him on the mountain together with a select group of others at a distance; God doesn't want a group of followers who blindly abide by a law but, rather, those who value and hunger to be in His presence  <M1501>

• Moses face glowed after spending time in God's presence, for no one can be in the presence of God without being changed

• No doubt, witnessing Moses' encounter with God inspired others to experience the shekinah glory in His presence  

Exodus 24:1-2 NIV

[1] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, [2] but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.”

Exodus 34:29 NIV

[29] When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.

• God is a refining fire, as experienced by Isaiah when an angel touched his unclean lips to atone for his sin

Isaiah 6:5-7 NIV

[5] “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” [6] Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. [7] With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for. ”

• As New Testament believers, we don't have to climb a mountain to have access to God but can invite Him into our lives and experience His transforming power

Proverbs 15:3 NIV

[3] The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Job 34:21 NIV

[21] “His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.

• Prayer and reading His Word are the primary vehicles by which we have access to God  

• After encountering God, it is our duty as Christ followers to let this light shine so others will be drawn to experience God for themselves

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

[12] For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

1 Peter 3:12 NIV

[12] For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Matthew 5:14 NIV

[14] “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

** God will direct us in very specific ways according to His purpose; God wants to make sure we get where He wants us to be

Acts 8:26,29 NIV

[26] Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road---the desert road---that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” [29] The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Acts 8:39-40 NIV

[39] When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. [40] Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

** There are four primary shifts of focus throughout the Old and New Testaments

• Genesis 1-11 is when God deals with mankind in a broad general sense and refers to them as GENTILES

• Genesis 12 to the end of the Gospels has God focusing on the nation of ISRAEL or ethnic Israel

• Gentiles are mentioned in most of the Bible as  nations relating to Israel in some way

• God stops focusing on Israel when the Church is born and introduced in Acts 2  

• The CHURCH is then the focus in the New Testament until the book of Revelation when God ushers in the 70th week in Rev 4 onward

• ISRAEL becomes the focus again in the 70th week, or commonly known as the Tribulation

• Israel is the focus to fulfill God's purpose of the Tribulation in bringing her back to Him and because the Church is no longer here  <G70>

** Jesus revealed that salvation can come to the Gentile as well as the Jew  <G72>

• Jews considered Gentiles to be unclean in the religious sense rather than ethnic sense

• In the text, the woman is not offended by Jesus’ words; instead, she acknowledges the way she is viewed by the Jews

• Her response demonstrates both humility and faith

• Gentiles can also benefit from Jesus’ mission, even though His priority at that time was the Jews

• While accepting that Jesus came to feed the 'children' (Jews), she asserts that the 'dogs' (Gentiles) need whatever Jesus has to offer, even if it is only in little quantities

• Jesus' interaction with the Canaanite woman served as a lesson for the disciples that even Gentiles can exhibit faith, further revealing that sin is what makes a person unclean, not traditions or ethnicity

Mark 7:26-30 NIV

[26] The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. [27] “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” [28] “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” [29] Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” [30] She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

** God uses His creation to draw man’s attention to Himself

Job 38:22-23 NIV

[22] “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of the hail, [23] which I reserve for times of trouble, for days of war and battle?

** Who reads a book without reading the final chapter?  As followers of Christ, one would think we desire to know how the story ends and what God has in store for His creation.

• Christ gives us clear signs to look for when He will return but, unfortunately, many of those following Him don't care

• True, a believer’s salvation is not affected whether they study prophecy or not, but it does provide them with a more complete picture of who God is and His plan for His second coming!

Matthew 24:43-44 NIV

[43] But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. [44] So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Matthew 16:1-3 NIV

[1] The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. [2] He replied, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' [3] and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.

Matthew 13:16-17 NIV

[16] But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. [17] For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

** Jesus’ response to the Canaanite woman’s request seems harsh at first but God’s covenant promises were given to Abraham’s seed; the woman did not plead for special need and Christ healed her daughter for her faith  <R1795>

• This incident emphasizes the priority Jesus gave to the Jews in His earthly ministry

• Yet Christ did heal the woman’s daughter: faith in Christ is the great leveler where both Jew and Gentile are welcome into the family of God

Matthew 15:21-28 NIV

[21] Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” [23] Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” [24] He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” [25] The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. [26] He replied, “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.” [27] “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.” [28] Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

Galatians 3:28-29 NIV

[28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

** We need to recognize when the harvest is ready and ask God to send harvesters

• At the same time, be ready to tend to the harvest ourselves

• Are we willing to be proactive, “step up to the plate”, move from our position of comfort and be ready to turn the world upside down?

Matthew 9:37-38 (NIV)

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. [38] Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

Matthew 28:19 NIV

[19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Acts 17:6 NIV

[6] But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here,

• Continue to ask “what is my responsibility in world outreach?”

• Are we so focused on our local community (church) that we don't see the broad picture?

• Do you believe others CAN be saved and not everyone is hardened?

2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV

[7] But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

** John the Baptist prepared the way for the Messiah, letting his listeners know Christ could forgive their sins if they repented of them; Jesus later preached the same message

• God sent a messenger to prepare the Jews for the arrive of Jesus

• Believers in Christ can carry on John the Baptist’s role to introduce others to Jesus, the One who can forgive sins and offer eternal life

Mark 1:2-4 NIV

[2] as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”--- [3] “a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ” [4] And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Mark 1:7-8 NIV

[7] And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. [8] I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Mark 1:14-15 NIV

[14] After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. [15] “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

** Jesus metaphorically compared kingdom growth to a flourishing plant from a small mustard seed and an effect of a small amount of yeast in a large batch of flour; a little faith can produce exponential results

• Jesus kingdom appeared insignificant to many onlookers at the time, but ultimately it will dominate all  <R1795>

Luke 13:18-19 NIV

[18] Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? [19] It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”

Luke 13:20-21 NIV

[20] Again he asked, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? [21] It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

** Even though others may not welcome us talking about God initially, there are times we are called to step up to testify about Him regardless of the response

• Most people don't think or talk about God outside of 'designated religious zones' like a church, so comments you offer are probably interrupting their life

• It's ok to challenge people from time to time and get them to think outside the box

• At the same time, it's not our job to convince them to care about what we say or ultimately accept the gospel message outlined in God's Word if that is what was shared

• The Lord will work in others, such as opening their eyes to His truth, in His own time and way

Mark 16:15 NIV

[15] He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

Exodus 4:8 NIV

[8] Then the Lord said, “If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first sign, they may believe the second.

2 Timothy 4:3-5 NIV

[3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Romans 10:14 NIV

[14] How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?

** God wants everyone to know His love; no one should perish apart from Him; intercede for all people, regardless of differences

1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:8 NIV

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

** The ability to bear good fruit in a Christian's life starts with an accurate knowledge of God so they can then advance according to His purposes and design

• Throughout Scripture, fruit is a symbol of God’s transforming work within believers

• While our relationship with God is private, the product of that relationship is highly visible!

• Good fruit takes time to ripen and the Christian’s life can produce fruit, but it will take time for that fruit to mature  <R1795>

Colossians 1:10-11 NIV

[10] so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, [11] being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience

Matthew 7:15-17 NIV

[15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.

** Many followers of Christ think the call to ministry is just for full-time or Sunday church leadership. The Scriptures instruct us that all believers were called and should be equipped for the work of the ministry in every walk of life, to fill the earth with the reign of God  <M1499>

Ephesians 4:10-12 NIV

[10] He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) [11] So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

** In the first (Genesis) and last (Revelation) books of the Bible, God reveals numerous new beginnings and hope-filled ends  <M130>

Psalm 20:6-8 NIV

[6] Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. [7] Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. [8] They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

• Gen accounts for the commencement of heaven and earth; Rev accounts for the consumption of heaven and earth

• Gen accounts for the entrance of sin and the curse; Rev accounts for the end of sin and the curse

• Gen accounts for the dawn of Satan and his activities; Rev accounts for the doom of Satan and his activities

• Gen accounts for the tree of life relinquished; Rev accounts for the tree of life regained

• Gen accounts for the start of death; Rev accounts for the end of death

• Gen accounts for the beginning of sorrow; Rev accounts for the end of sorrow

• Gen accounts for the loss of paradise; Rev accounts for paradise regained

• Gen accounts for the promise of a Savior; Rev accounts for the preeminence of a Savior

Isaiah 46:10 NIV

[10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

Luke 16:17 NIV

[17] It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.

Revelation 22:13 NIV

[13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

** The essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus  <G76>

Revelation 19:10b NIV

[10] ...Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

** There will be those who practice evil in the last days who know 'something is up' but not understand what it is; 42% of the US believe Jesus will come back in their lifetime even though only 24% are born again  <D500> <H87> (Apr 2024)

Daniel 12:10b NIV

[10] None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

** People have an endless appetite for last days events. They want to hear about the Rapture, the Antichrist, the Tribulation, Armageddon, and all the rest. That is great, but as we study all these things, what we learn should have an impact on the way we live. As we look forward to the return of Christ, we should be shining lights in a dark place.

So, let’s be ready to go. Let’s be shining our light. As our culture gets darker, we need to shine brighter as Christians. Let’s be known for what we are for rather than what we are against. Let’s look for opportunities to show the love of Jesus Christ in a tangible way, earning the right to share the gospel.  <L120>

Luke 12:35 NIV

[35] “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,

2 Peter 3:14 NIV

[14] So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

** The parable of the lamp on the stand encourages us to let our message be heard

• God made us useful for His purposes

• We can lose our effectiveness and become completely worthless

• As followers of Christ we should show others the restorative and enabling power of God in our lives, as people benefit from the light distributed when it is in a prominent place

Luke 8:16 NIV

[16] “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.

** God's ministry is not for sale; those who want to share in His ministry must desire to abide by God’s design as outlined in His Word

Acts 8:18-21 NIV

[18] When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money [19] and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” [20] Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! [21] You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.

** There is a push for Christians today to bring unbelievers IN to the local church, but Christ calls us to take the message OUT to the dying world  <F61>

Mark 16:15-16 NIV

[15] He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. [16] Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

** The parable of the Ten Minas is not about money or ministry but what we do with the entrusted gospel of Jesus Christ  <F60>

• The nobleman is Jesus, who left this world but who will return as King some day

• The servants the king charges with a task represent followers of Jesus

• The Lord has given us a valuable commission and we must be faithful to serve Him until He returns

• Upon His return, Jesus will ascertain the faithfulness of His own people

• There is work to be done, and we must use what God has given us for His glory

• There are promised rewards for those who are faithful in their charge  <G72>

Luke 19:13,16-17 NIV

[13] So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ [16] “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ [17] “ ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

Luke 19:26 NIV

[26] “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away.

Romans 14:10 NIV

[10] You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister ? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.

John 9:4 NIV

[4] As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

** The ONLY way we can worship God in TRUTH is through His Word; studying Scripture is not an option for the Christian but a necessity if they want to truly follow and worship God  <G795>

John 4:24 NIV

[24] God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

** Study Scripture, for it is a copy of God's will. Be Scripturally-minded, Bible-Christians. Search the Scripture, as for a vein of silver. This blessed Book will fill your head with knowledge and your heart with grace!

Read the Scripture, not only as a history, but as a love letter sent to you from God which may affect your hearts.

Pray that the same Spirit who wrote the Word may assist you in reading it; that God's Spirit would show you the wonderful things of His law, so that the Word will become effectual.  <W210>

Colossians 3:16 NIV

[16] Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

** There are times Christians need to stop the daily routine and ask God to reveal what He is doing around them, as Elisha wanted the servant of the man of God to visibly see God's presence around him  <R176>

2 Kings 6:16-17 NIV

[16] “Don't be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” [17] And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

John 16:33 NIV [Jesus said]

[33] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

** True to His character of mercy and justice, God continually warns His people about upcoming danger  <G70>

We read in Scripture when God warned:

• Adam about what would happen if he ate from the tree (Gen 2:17)

• Noah about building an ark because of an upcoming flood (Gen 6:13-14)

• Abraham regarding Sodom and Gomorrah about to be destroyed (Genesis 18:16-17,20-21)

• Lot about destruction of Sodom before dragging Lot and family out (Gen 19:12-13)

• Rahab about Jericho falling into Israelite hands; as it turned out, only those in her house were spared (Josh 2:8-9,12-13)

• Israelites before the Passover so the Angel of Death would pass over their dwelling place  (Exod 12:1,7,10,12-13)

• Nineveh to repent otherwise they would experience destruction in 40 days (Jonah 3:1-5)

• Israelites via His prophets (Amos 3:7)

• Christ followers about what will happen to Jesus on the cross and then outlined His return in the end times (Matt 24:33-35)

God continues to warn His followers today:

• The book of Revelation is one book, along with other passages throughout the Old Testament, that outlines what will happen at the end of days (Rev 4+)

Genesis 2:17 NIV

[17] but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

Genesis 6:13-14 NIV

[13] So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. [14] So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out.

Genesis 18:16-17,20-21 NIV

[16] When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. [17] Then the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? [20] Then the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous [21] that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.”

Genesis 19:12-13 NIV

[12] The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here---sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, [13] because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.”

Joshua 2:8-9,12-13 NIV

[8] Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof [9] and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. [12] “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign [13] that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them---and that you will save us from death.”

Exodus 12:1,7,10,12-13 NIV

[1] The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, [7] Then they are to take some of the blood and put it on the sides and tops of the doorframes of the houses where they eat the lambs. [10] Do not leave any of it till morning; if some is left till morning, you must burn it. [12] “On that same night I will pass through Egypt and strike down every firstborn of both people and animals, and I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt. I am the Lord. [13] The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.

Jonah 3:1-5 NIV

[1] Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: [2] “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” [3] Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. [4] Jonah began by going a day's journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” [5] The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

Amos 3:7 NIV

[7] Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

Matthew 24:33-35 NIV [Jesus speaking]

[33] Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. [34] Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. [35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

** Believers in Christ will have Biblical understanding and insight regarding end time events; having this understanding, watchmen are to warn others how to prepare (primarily) spiritually  <M131>

Daniel 12:10 NIV

[10] Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.

** How can anyone simply dismiss the Bible?  

The Bible is the power of God's Word that:

• Generations have studied and followed over thousands of years

• Reveals the character of God, for He is bound to what is written about Him in Scripture

• Reveals who Christ is from cover to cover -- from Genesis to Revelation

• Was quoted by Jesus, so we know its importance

• Instructs the reader regarding how to handle issues and live a victorious life

• Transform lives

• Deals with sin in the believer's life and offers the only way to eternal salvation

The Bible has been proven:

• LITERALLY - fulfills 100% of prophecy to date, including details of Christ's first coming

• HISTORICALLY - aligns with other historical text with names, dates, and event details

• SCIENTIFICALLY - provides insights before modern scientific discoveries, such as  understanding of the human body (DNA, organs) and world where we live (fallow soil, etc)

• MEDICALLY - instructs in hygiene practices centuries before knowing the reason

• ARCHAEOLOGICALLY - discoveries via Dead Sea Scrolls and other archaeological finds proving Scriptural dates and locations

• SOCIALLY - advocates moral & social codes sustaining cultures via family units, church communities, governing authorities, etc

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

** Those who scorn the delay of end time events fail to understand the Lord’s patience in waiting for people to repent before sending His judgments on the earth  <B26>

Jude 1:18-19 NIV

[18] They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” [19] These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.

2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV

[8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV

[9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

** God will receive ANYONE who comes to Him in repentance, including the person who has gone against God's design for them because they are confused about their identity  <B187>

• God paid for the privilege of our salvation when suffering on the cross

• Those who accept Christ not only receive God's help in this life but are allowed to stand before His holy presence in the next life

• God requires that whoever comes to Him: a) believe in Him, b) acknowledge their sin and Jesus' payment for it by dying on the cross, c) deny themselves the option of living however they want, and d) follow His commands as outlined in His Word

• God designed us from the beginning of time and predestined us to become conformed to His image

• Accepting Christ as Savior means we leave our 'old self' that is comfortable living in sin, and recognize we are a 'new creation' who aims to be the person God calls us to be

No matter what mistakes or bad choices we make, Jesus never turns away from those who repent and truly accept His free gift of salvation. He will see you through the storms in life. That doesn’t mean it’s ok to keep making the same mistakes. Repenting means to change your mind and turn away from sin. Whatever happens in this life, faith in Jesus will bring eternal salvation.  <G73>

Ephesians 1:6-7 NIV

[6] to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Luke 9:23-24 NIV

[23] Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.

Romans 8:29 NIV

[29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

1 John 3:9-10 NIV

[9] No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. [10] This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God's child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

** The Old Testament believers knew that God promised to send the Messiah for our salvation, and they died in faith believing that promise  <P1695>

Isaiah 53:1 NIV

[1] Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

Job 19:25 NIV

[25] I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Acts 2:29-30 NIV

[29] “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. [30] But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.

** God operates His world through covenants which are legally binding relationships initiated by Him, found both in the Old Testament and New Testament  <E54>

• Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic are Old Testament covenants, while the New and Everlasting covenants are found in the New Testament  

• The Old Covenant was governed by a law that prescribed correct behavior and that the people continually broke. It contained a sacrificial system that only temporarily removed sins. The sacrifices were administered by priests who represented the people of Israel to God, but the people could not enter God’s presence themselves.  <G72>

• God's covenant with Noah is an example of a covenant He established, where He provided the rainbow symbol of His promise never to judge a rebellious world (via flood) in the same way again  

Genesis 9:12-15 NIV

[12] And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: [13] I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. [14] Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, [15] I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

• The New Covenant is governed by a law that is internalized by the people of God and energized by His Spirit. The sins of the people are forgiven and removed once and for all by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the people of God have direct, intimate access to Him. Finally, Gentiles who believe are included in the New Covenant.  <G72>

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

[16] Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

• Covenants reveal the character of God, like the covenant with Noah shows His grace and mercy, even when faced with a rebellious people

• God initiates covenants, not man

• We abide by the terms of God's covenants or suffer the consequences  <D40>

** Christians are to refer back to what Scripture says, not what the priests, rabbis or forefathers said  <H90>

John 7:42 NIV

[42] Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David's descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”

Galatians 3:16 NIV

[16] The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.

1 Timothy 5:18 NIV

[18] For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”

** God exalted His Word equal to His own Name; those who place themselves above the Word of God, place themselves above God  <M130>

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Ephesians 6:11,17 NIV

[11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

** If we believe what Jesus said about sin, salvation, forgiveness, the love of God the Father, eternal life, His own identity, and all the other truths (John 3:16–17; 5:17–21; 11:25–26) then it stands to reason what He said about His return is equally true. Jesus is coming! The glorious appearing of our great God Savior, Jesus Christ is imminent!  <G7992>

• The return of Christ is not a side issue of our faith – it is at the very heart of our hope

• Paul called it the 'blessed hope'

• Jesus promised it again and again

• The book of Revelation climaxes with His return -- without it, the story is incomplete  <P1701>

Titus 2:13 NIV

[13] while we wait for the blessed hope---the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

** There are two kingdoms -- the kingdom of this world that belongs to Satan, and the kingdom of God that will destroy Satan's kingdom one day

• Satan blinds the masses to this reality of two kingdoms

• It is, therefore, the believer's duty to inform unbelievers of their blindness  <W2200>

2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV

[4] The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

** Do you know what our world really needs to see? They need to see flesh-and-blood Christians who are living the Christian life in the same neighborhood where they live, in the same place where they work, and at the same school they attend. They need to see the real thing.

In short, they need to see you. God can use you, just as He used believers in the first-century church. Maybe you’re not a preacher, but you can proclaim the gospel message through your life and through your words. You can make a dramatic impact on your world.  <L120>

Philippians 2:15 NIV

[15] so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 NIV

[14] But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. [15] For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

** God waits to deliver His wrath and stop evil, allowing time for repentance. He waits because of His gracious love. As he waits, we Christians have a key role in the world. We are salt, a preserving agent.  <L124>

2 Peter 3:9-10 NIV

[9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

** In Luke’s version of the fig tree parable, many trees are pictured as coming to life around the same time as the fig tree (Luke 21:29-32). Jesus said to “watch the fig tree and all the trees.”

When the branches become tender and begin producing leaves, which show signs of life, you are to “know” that the generation that sees this take place will also be the generation that sees the kingdom of God established on earth. The generation that witnesses “the fig tree (Israel) and all the trees (Gentile nations)” come to life was specifically chosen by Jesus to be the generation that would “know” the kingdom of God was “near—at the doors!”  <H994>

Luke 21:29-32 NIV

[29] He told them this parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. [30] When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. [31] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. [32] “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

Matthew 24:32-34 NIV

[32] “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. [33] Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. [34] Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

Mark 13:28-30 NIV

[28] “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. [29] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. [30] Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

** God's grace extends into the Tribulation with the 144,000 evangelists, 2 witnesses and angel proclaiming the Good News over the entire globe  <H90>

• God's grace, however, does not last forever

• There will be a time when it will be too late for people to accept Christ

Revelation 7:4 NIV

[4] Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.

Revelation 11:3 NIV

[3] And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

Revelation 14:6 NIV

[6] Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth---to every nation, tribe, language and people.

Isaiah 55:6-7 NIV

[6] Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. [7] Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Genesis 6:3 NIV

[3] Then the Lord said, “My Spirit will not contend with humans forever, for they are mortal ; their days will be a hundred and twenty years.”

** Christian believers need to study ALL disciplines within the Christian faith in order to mature and attain the ‘whole measure of the fullness of Christ’  <G70>

• All aspects or disciplines (such as discipleship, eschatology, etc) within the Christian theology are intertwined

• Each discipline provides understanding of the overall theology together with an understanding of all other disciplines

Ephesians 4:13 NIV

[13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

** When many look at the world around us, they see chaos. I see something different. I see God warning the people of this world that His judgment is coming soon. The Bible shows us that this is the way He operates – warning, then judgment.

• God sent Noah to warn the world that His judgment was coming

• He sent angels to warn Sodom and Gomorrah that judgment was coming

• He sent prophets to Israel to warn them judgment was coming

• And He told the church to look for signs in the last days that judgment is coming  <T203>

There will come a day when the signs of the end times become reality; then it will be too late for many. God will surely judge the wickedness of our world. It’s a matter of WHEN, not IF. It’s far better to heed God’s warnings now, before judgment becomes reality.  <B26>

Understand that God did not tell people to watch for the warning signs to scare them. God told people to watch for the warnings so we will know that He exists, that time is short, and that we need to make our salvation sure — and encourage others to know and do likewise.  <D41>

Malachi 2:1 NIV

[1] “And now, you priests, this warning is for you.

Daniel 2:27-30 NIV

[27] Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, [28] but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these: [29] “As Your Majesty was lying there, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. [30] As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than anyone else alive, but so that Your Majesty may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.

** Going hand-in-hand with the Gospel being preached around the globe will be an increased yearning for discernment of end times prophecy; followers of Christ will understand the end times as the Holy Spirit penetrates the hearts of believers  <B303>

Daniel 12:4 NIV

[4] But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”

Joel 2:28-29 NIV

[28] “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. [29] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

** As Paul affirmed his Ephesian listeners, Christians are to follow his example to study and apply the FULL counsel of God  <G793>

• Paul did not only choose select portions of God’s truth to proclaim to his listeners but even the unpopular passages that prompted their desire to stone him

• Unfortunately, too many pastors today focus on God’s grace only because that is what the congregants want to hear

• When is the last sermon you heard about sin, repentance, prophecy or God’s judgment? — all topics we need to learn and consider in our faith walk!

Acts 20:27 NIV

[27] For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.

** The canon of Scripture was written and is now closed; Paul in the New Testament confirms  that God (via Scripture) will reveal Himself and His plans to the believer over time  <G70>

• ‘Progressive illumination’ occurs when events take place just as they were recorded in God’s Word years previous  

• An early example of illumination occurred for the disciples after Jesus told them the Temple would be destroyed and it happened decades later — Jesus’ prediction around 30 AD and its occurrence in 70 AD  

• Illuminations from Scripture strengthen the believer’s faith as they witness God’s Word coming to fruition  

Romans 1:17 NIV

[17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed---a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Luke 21:5-6 NIV

[5] Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, [6] “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

Romans 16:25-26 NIV

[25] Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, [26] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith

** It’s true there is no one passage that lays out order of events in the final days so that’s why it is imperative to study all of Scripture and put the pieces together; God wants us to wrestle and study His Word to not only learn about God but His plans for the future  <H95>

John 5:39 NIV

[39] You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me

Isaiah 42:9 NIV

[9] See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

** The doctrine of the inability of the human mind to understand divine teaching and the need for divine illumination is so fully developed in the New Testament that it is nothing short of astonishing that we should have gone so far astray concerning the whole issue.

Evangelicalism has stood aloof from Liberalism in self-conscious superiority; and has on its own part fallen into the error of textualism, which is simply orthodoxy without the Holy Spirit.

Everywhere among Conservatives we find people who are Bible-taught, but not Spirit-taught. They conceive truth to be something which they can grasp with the mind. If a man holds to the fundamentals of the Christian faith then he is thought to possess divine truth.

But that is an incorrect assumption. The Bible is a supernatural book and can be understood only by supernatural aid!

Conservative Christians in this day are stumbling over this truth. We need to re-examine the whole thing. We need to learn that truth consists not in correct doctrine, but in correct doctrine plus the inward enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. A re-preachment of this vital truth could result in a fresh breath from God upon a stale and suffocating orthodoxy.

Most Christians see Bible knowledge as something to be stored away in the mind along with an inert mass of other facts.

The modern scientist has lost God amid the wonders of His world. And we Christians are in real danger of losing God amid the wonders of His Word! Scripture truths must be experienced, before we can really know them.

"Lord, I do believe in the authority of the Scriptures, and thank You for that foundation of truth. But I need to remember that even the inspired text is not alive, until the Holy Spirit takes it and enlightens the recipients. May the Spirit indeed take what I teach and embed it in the hearts and minds of my hearers. Amen."  <T207>

1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV

[14] The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

John 14:26 NIV

[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Luke 24:45 NIV

[45] Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

** Every single person will hear the Gospel of Christ by the end of the Tribulation so no one has the excuse of ‘not knowing’ or not having opportunity to accept Christ  <J102>

God will provide messengers during the Tribulation:

• 2 witnesses in Jerusalem who will proclaim the Gospel for 2.5 years

• 144,000 Jewish evangelists

• Gospel Angel will circle the earth proclaiming the Gospel

Revelation 11:3 NIV

[3] And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”

Revelation 14:1 NIV

[1] Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.

Revelation 14:6 NIV

[6] Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth---to every nation, tribe, language and people.

** God is not going to hold us accountable for the decisions made by others regarding the gospel but will hold us accountable whether we shared the gospel; let’s make sure the gospel seed has been planted and our ‘seed bag’ is empty when the Lord returns  <S187>

Matthew 28:19 NIV

[19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NIV

[6] I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. [7] So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

** The Bible contains all necessary truth — and nothing but truth. It was written expressly for sinners. It is freely given to them by God, that they may learn the things which make for their everlasting peace and salvation. It was never designed to gratify the critic's pride, or please the carnal imagination.

• The FOUNTAIN of divine truth is the Lord Jesus Christ

• The REPOSITORY of divine truth is the Holy Scriptures

• The proper ABODE of divine truth is the sinner's heart

• And the sacred REVEALER of truth is the Holy Spirit

It was intended to…

• Inform the mind

• Sanctify the heart

• Direct the feet

When we take it up, we should remember that it is a precious gift of God to poor sinners, designed to benefit them, and glorify His holy name.

In a word, this blessed Bible tells the poor sinner…

• What he is by nature

• What he must be by grace

• What he will be in glory

It shows him…

• Nature's deservings

• Mercy's way of escape

• How God is glorified in his present salvation and future glory

This book exhibits God's…

• Gracious purposes

• Merciful promises

• Wise precepts

It sets forth the…

• Thoughts of God

• Secrets of eternity

• Designs of everlasting love

• Method of salvation

• Saint's privileges and glory

• Impenitent sinner's state, condition, and awful doom!

The true Christian…

• Learns the doctrines with satisfaction

• Believes the promises with joy

• Accepts the invitations with gratitude

• Receives the cautions with fear

• Listens to the exhortations with pleasure

• Walks by the precepts with delight

• Reads it with reverence

• Searches it with diligence

• Implores the promised teaching and guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand it

Beware of slighting, despising, or neglecting the Bible. Read it daily. Pray over it incessantly, and meditate on what it reveals continually!  <S183>

Psalm 1:2 NIV

[2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

** The blessings and warnings to the churches in the first chapters of Revelation are not just for the specific church in Asia Minor but words to all churches across time  <H86>

Revelation 2:11a NIV

[11] Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

** There are differing views regarding how one becomes saved and maintains their salvation in Christ

• At one end of the spectrum involves Calvinist doctrine advocating a select group of ‘elect’ while those not already selected (predestined) by God are not able to be saved

• At the other end is the Arminian camp that agrees salvation is assured in Christ but it remains the responsibility of the converted to maintain their salvation; their status as a believer can be lost through apostasy

• Most believers agree on truths in both camps of theology  

• Non-Calvinists can agree on issues such as the depravity of man and sovereignty of God while disagreeing on an already-established group who are saved

• Non-Arminians can agree that all persons are able and capable of believing the gospel while taking issue with the need for persuasive methods (such as mourner benches and altar-calls) to not only prompt salvation but then provide outward demonstration of this decision; we know God alone moves the heart to believe without the need of any ‘extra nudging’ or proof for others

• Those taking the middle ground understand that everyone is totally depraved in sin, where no one is righteous and no one seeks God

• The Bible teaches that God reaches out to us with the offer of salvation and those who believe in Christ will be saved; it’s as simple as that

• We want new believers to show a genuine display of repentance; the ‘show’ is not important to God but the genuineness of heart

• Unfortunately, the altar call has moved beyond a tool to help lead people to Christ to becoming a commodity

• Christ died for everyone who ever lived in this world, giving them the hope of salvation if they choose to believe

• Salvation involves a human response to the gospel — it boils down to the decision of a person saying ‘yes or no’ to the gospel

• Believe first and then become elect!  

• The true believer will express gratitude for their salvation throughout their life; this expression of gratitude is not a condition of salvation  <B23> <F61>

Ephesians 1:11 NIV

[11] In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

Romans 3:10-11 NIV

[10] As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; [11] there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.

John 3:16 NIV

[16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 10:9-11 NIV

[9] If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. [11] As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

** The command to ‘preach to all nations’ will be fulfilled during the Tribulation, utilizing the involvement of 2 witnesses and the 144,000  <H87>

Matthew 24:14 NIV

[14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Revelation 14:6 NIV

[6] Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth---to every nation, tribe, language and people.

Revelation 15:4 NIV

[4] Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

** God used Jeremiah to help prepare the Israelites for the upcoming exile they would experience to Babylon; we can learn from Jeremiah to help prepare our family in Christ of the approaching end times  <H90>

Jeremiah 29:20 NIV

[20] Therefore, hear the word of the Lord, all you exiles whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon.

** We can become familiar with God when observing how He operated over time; look to recognize and understand the patterns of God, as revealed to us in His Word and through the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 28:10 KJV

[10] For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little

1 Corinthians 2:10-11 NIV

[10] these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. [11] For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 NIV

[9] What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

** If we want to be real disciples of Jesus, then we need to slow down and learn to listen.  A disciple will carefully read, study, and live according to God’s Word.  The truth we find in the Bible is the only absolute truth we can be certain of in life. And when we understand what God says about life, it sets us free.  <L120>

Psalm 46:10 NIV

[10] He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

John 8:31-32 NIV

[31] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. [32] Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

** Peter confirmed in his sermon that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s program through the Old Testament forefathers  <W213>

Acts 3:13a NIV

[13] The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus.

** Although we know who wins in the end, we must never stop fighting the spiritual battle at hand  <H85>

• Unfortunately, Satan is ramping up his attack in these end times while Christians are typically asleep at the wheel

• It is not our place to surrender for we have a divinely ordained role to play in this world until we meet the Lord in the air

Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV

[10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

** According to the Prophet Isaiah, during the Millennial Kingdom, the earth is restored to its original ecological balance, and lifespans return to what they were prior to the Flood  <K112>

Isaiah 65:20 NIV

[20] “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.

** God ‘hard wires’ us to be passionate about participating in certain areas of the Christian walk — some teaching, evangelizing, discipleship, watchmen, compassionate toward others, etc — and He desires that we do our best for Him in the area He carved out for us

1 Corinthians 12:13-14,27-31a NIV

[13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body---whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free---and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. [27] Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. [28] And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? [30] Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret? [31] Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

Ezekiel 33:2-6 NIV

[2] “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: 'When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman, [3] and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people, [4] then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head. [5] Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves. [6] But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone's life, that person's life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.'

• Note that the watchmen in the Ezekiel passage were appointed (vs 2)

• In the spirit of the passage in Mark 13, all believers in Christ should warn others about the impending danger of end times even if it is not their primary mission

• Most importantly, Jesus calls everyone individually to watch and be ready for His return

Mark 13:33-35 NIV

[33] Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come. [34] It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. [35] “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back---whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.

** One purpose of the Bible is to make believers prudent and to help guard them against craftiness with an evil purpose  <H85>

Proverbs 1:1,4 NIV

[1] The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: [4] for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young---

Genesis 3:1 NIV

[1] Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'? ”

** Think of the Savior descending from the starry heights of glory, and coming down into the Virgin's womb; and then descending from that lowly manger of Bethlehem, even to the cross and to the grave--for you! Yes, for your sake He takes upon Himself the form of a servant and becomes obedient unto death, even the death of the bloody tree!  <S185>

Luke 2:6-7 NIV

[6] While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, [7] and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

** God is love and He provides His Word to adequately inform and warn us as needed

“Love warns. Ignorance, can’t. Evil won’t”

1 John 4:16 NIV

[16] And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

** The section of Bible prophecy which speaks to the events of the last days, Eschatology, is not some fringe hobby that people dabble in with the same seriousness as those who follow UFOs or Big Foot. Eschatology is a major doctrinal study that consumes around 30% of your Bible.

John F. Walvoord, the late President of the Dallas Theological Seminary, dubbed it the ‘capstone of Christian doctrine’, because your eschatological view determines how you hold to every other major doctrine, such as Soteriology, Ecclesiology, etc.

If you think about it for a second, your entire Bible, either centers around Christ’s first coming or His second. It only makes sense that a book in which God is revealing Himself to mankind progressively (not all at once) is a book that hinges around His own Incarnation and His return for His people.  <G70>

1 Peter 1:13 NIV

[13] Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

Revelation 15:4 NIV

[4] Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

** Meditation upon the Word of God is one of the most important of all the means of grace and growth in spirituality, yes there can be no true progress in vital and practical godliness without it. Meditation on Divine things is not optional but obligatory, for it is something which God has commanded us to attend unto.  <P161>

Psalm 143:5 NIV

[5] I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

** It often astonishes me that I did not see the importance of meditation upon Scripture earlier in my Christian life. We must consider what we read, ponder over it, and apply it to our hearts. The most important thing I do, is to read the Word of God and to meditate on it. Thus my heart might be comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved and instructed.  <M140>

Some people like to read so many chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather let my soul soak in half a dozen verses all day, than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up into your very soul, till it saturates your heart! Set your heart upon God's Word! Let your whole nature be plunged into it as a cloth into a dye!  <S185>

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Psalm 77:5-6 NIV

[5] I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; [6] I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

** Do not put your hope in the systems of this world to save this world — be it left, right, Dem, Rep, liberal, conservative etc — but in God alone; at the same time expose the evil around you but do not play in their game  <F60>

Ephesians 5:11 NIV

[11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

1 John 1:5-7 NIV

[5] This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. [6] If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. [7] But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

** It’s not OK for Christians to sit back in apathy about Christ’s return because He commands us to be on guard  <S1992>

• Since Israel became a nation in 1948, the signs have increased to an incredible rate

• We are left without excuse because the signs are all around us, much like the signs were there when Jesus interacted with the Pharisees in the first century

• Jesus came to earth the first time precisely as foretold by prophets of the Old Testament; we are not to make the same mistake

Matthew 24:42 NIV

[42] “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

** Jesus enables the believer in Christ to become righteous through His death on the cross; this discredits any notion of purgatory

• At the point of death, every person is either united with Jesus or not  

• The false concept of purgatory is appealing to the masses because it gives a ‘last chance’ for people to gain salvation when they die while still being able to live in sin before death

• Jesus finished the work of salvation by dying and resurrecting

• According to Scripture, we come to faith in Christ and are immediately saved from eternal punishment — nothing else is needed!

• Since humans cannot add to Christ’s offer of salvation, the concept of purgatory is not theologically sound  <S188>

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

[21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Hebrews 9:15 NIV

[15] For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance---now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

** God knows and reveals the future before it happens; God gave us roughly 1/3 including 18 books of prophecy in the Bible for a reason

• God’s prophets had to be right 100% of the time or they died

• The Old Testament contains 108 different prophecies about Jesus’ first coming that have all actualized; the probability that all of them come true is in the trillions of trillions

• It is evident the Bible is the Word of God: it is sure and gives light to truth

• The “end WILL come” and everyone would do well to know what God has to say about it!  <D41>

Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV

[9] Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. [10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

Acts 15:18 NIV

[18] things known from long ago.

2 Peter 1:19-21 NIV

[19] We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. [20] Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. [21] For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 24:14 NIV

[14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

** God did not make Scripture vague or cryptic but, rather, easy to understand and applicable to our lives when we look to the Holy Spirit for help

• God has no reason to confuse or ‘trip us up’ when we read His Word

• On the contrary, God directed those who penned His thoughts in a manner so His people can best understand who He is and His expectations

• Ultimately this means we will be held accountable for following Scripture when we meet our Maker

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

** If God is going to make sure anything does NOT misrepresent Him, He is going to ensure the Bible accurately conveys His thoughts and gives us insight into who He is — the very Source used by His followers throughout the centuries

• What purpose would God have for making His Word a mystery and using it to trip up those seeking Him?  

• On the contrary, His ways are clear and simple and we are not to mess with any of it, not adding or removing a word

• Everyone, as innocent as children, can understand His Word regardless of their time and generation

• God knew we would be reading His Word in the 21st century just as they did throughout previous centuries!

• We continue to be a work in progress but that doesn’t change what God gave us to start — a solid foundation of His truth in His Word

• God gave us His Word so we would have at least a simple uncomplicated glimpse of who He is and a subsequent motivation to seek Him all the more

Luke 18:16-17 NIV

[16] But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [17] Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

Revelation 22:6-7 NIV

[6] The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” [7] “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

** God wants us to turn to Him for answers that are plainly outlined in His Word, not string Him along with endless questions

2 Timothy 3:14-16 NIV

[14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness

• Believer and non-believer alike needs guidance, not a Buddy or some Mystic Figure — they can come to know about our Creator and His thoughts through His Word

• God includes 1050 commands in the New Testament that give us direction and over 600 ancient commands in the Old Testament that provide insight into who He is and His ways

• There must come a point in time in every believer’s life when they become either hot or cold, accepting His truth as outlined in Scripture or not

“If the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and if it authoritatively answers the fundamental questions of life, then who can logically be passive and ignore its teachings? If the Bible accurately tells us who God is, who we are, why we are here, and what happens when we die, is there a living soul anywhere who should fail to be impressed?”  <A12>

As opposed to every other belief system that leaves you with questions and uncertainty, Christianity provides compelling answers to the questions of origin, meaning, morality, and destiny.  <F66>

John 16:13a NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

John 18:37 NIV

[37] “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

Psalm 119:52 NIV

[52] I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them.

Jeremiah 6:16a NIV

[16] This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.

** Before New Testament references to the afterlife, the Old Testament saints (including Job, Abraham, David, Isaiah, Hosea & Joseph) believed in the resurrection of their bodies so they would see God!  <D41>

Job 19:26-27 NIV

[26] And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; [27] I myself will see him with my own eyes---I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Hebrews 11:17-19 NIV

[17] By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, [18] even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” [19] Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.

Exodus 13:19 NIV

[19] Moses took the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had made the Israelites swear an oath. He had said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up with you from this place.”

Psalm 16:9-10 NIV

[9] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, [10] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

Isaiah 26:19 NIV

[19] But your dead will live, Lord; their bodies will rise---let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy---your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.

Hosea 13:14 NIV

[14] “I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction? “I will have no compassion

** Let me tell you a little secret: whenever you cannot understand a text, open your Bible, bend your knee, and pray over that text; and if it does not split into atoms and open itself, then try again. If prayer does not explain it, then it is one of those things that God did not intend you to know at present, and you may be content to be ignorant of it.

Prayer is the key that opens the cabinets of mystery. Prayer and faith are sacred picklocks that can open secrets, and obtain great treasures! There is no college for holy education like that of the blessed Spirit, for He is an ever-present tutor, to whom we have only to bend the knee, and He is at our side — the great Expositor of truth!

You will frequently find fresh streams of thought leaping up from the passage before you, as if the rock had been struck by Moses' rod! New veins of precious ore will be revealed to your astonished gaze as you quarry God's Word and use diligently the hammer of prayer!  <S185>

Psalm 119:18 NIV

[18] Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

"Every text prayed over opens a mine of 'unsearchable riches,' with a light from above, more clear and full than the most intelligent exposition."  <B291>

"A humble and prayerful spirit will find a thousand things in the Bible--which the proud, self-conceited student will utterly fail to discern."  <R170>

"There should be a definite asking Him to graciously anoint our eyes — not only that we may be enabled to behold wondrous things in His law, but also that He will make us of quick discernment to perceive how the passage before us applies to ourselves — what are the particular lessons we need to learn from it. The more we cultivate this habit, the more likely that God will be pleased to open His Word unto us."  <P161>

** How can we tell the difference between a natural disaster and judgment of God?  <J102>

a) Timing of event - which is typically immediately after an action that displeases God; example Hurricane Katrina that hit after the US tried to break up the land of Israel

b) Magnitude of event - a disaster that comes out of nowhere and has devastating results; people often ask how a storm can form that fast!

c) Prophetic voices declaring event ahead of time, similar to Haggai who chastised the people for repairing their own homes before God’s temple

Haggai 1:3-7 NIV

[3] Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: [4] “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin? ” [5] Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways. [6] You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.” [7] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.

** The prayerful study of the Word is not only a means of instruction, but an act of devotion wherein the transforming power of grace is often exercised — changing us into the image of Christ, of whom the Word is a mirror.  <S185>

Psalm 119:105 NIV

[105] Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

** Becoming a follower of Christ and member of a church requires an intellectual understanding of who God is and what is involved to follow Him, not just an emotional response based on feelings, for feelings alone cannot be trusted

• Christ’s church represents Him on earth, so it is vital that the church remain pure, holy and self-cleansing  <R1795>

• Every follower of Christ should have a solid understanding of God and what He expects of His followers via the reading and understanding of key passages in Scripture

• Young converts should have this solid understanding BEFORE making any decision, including an honest discussion about sin, its consequences and our need for repentance — all components of the salvation message

• Salvation in Christ is not only what joins the body of believers together but requires members to hold each other accountable when living in sin

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV

[1] It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father's wife. [2] And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?

• Instead, the church often follows a seeker-sensitive model that depends on initial emotional responses and plays a bait-and-switch — wanting to ‘find out what people want in order to lure them in’ and then hoping they will learn and adopt Scripture at a later time

• When churches focus on satisfying individual preferences and benefits of the Christian life, then chances are that Scripture has been watered down and the full counsel of God avoided to accommodate for selfish motive

• What would make someone in the church want to change their sinful behavior when others accept them ‘unconditionally’ without ANY discussion or need to admit sin, repent and work toward sanctification?

• Every believer’s focus should be solely on Christ at all times, not meeting their own preferences

Matthew 22:37 NIV

[37] Jesus replied: “ 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'

Proverbs 3:5-6,13 NIV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [13] Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding

** Remnant believers are called to be watchmen, where we share the good news of Christ’s offer of salvation and warn others of impending events during the Last Days; we are called to be watchmen not only before the Rapture but after, for the Tribulation saints  <T205>

Ezekiel 3:17 NIV

[17] “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.

Luke 21:33-36 NIV [always be on guard!]

[33] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. [34] “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. [35] For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. [36] Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

** The parable of the sower encourages us not to worry about the results from when we share the gospel -- just make sure we spread the message!

• We are to spread the gospel seed indiscriminately

• It's crucial the message is understood so there is a chance of it taking root

• Results may be negligent or short-lived at times, while at other times God may use our efforts to multiply and produce long-lasting results

• An individual's response may vary:

A. Not understanding the message so Satan can snatch the truth away (path)

B. Quick to receive the message but it doesn't take root so it cannot endure difficult times (rocky)

C. Worries and temptations of life take over and make the message irrelevant (thorns)

D. Listens, understands and accepts the message before spreading the good news; the effect of this increases the yield (good soil)

• While there will be varied response, ultimately, every individual is responsible for their decision

Luke 8:5-8 NIV

[5] “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. [6] Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. [7] Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. [8] Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

** Pharisees could not heal people with certain ailments so they knew the Messiah was in their midst when He could – yet the Pharisees still rejected Jesus and discredited anyone who thought otherwise

Messianic miracles Jesus performed:

1. Healing from blindness

2. Healing leprosy, and

3. Calling out deaf and mute demons  <H86>

Matthew 8:2-3 NIV

[2] A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” [3] Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.

Matthew 8:16-17 NIV

[16] When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. [17] This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

Matthew 10:5-8 NIV

[5] These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. [6] Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. [7] As you go, proclaim this message: 'The kingdom of heaven has come near.' [8] Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.

John 9:1,5-7 NIV

[1] As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. [5] While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” [6] After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. [7] “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

Luke 11:14 NIV

[14] Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed.

** It is called the Mystery Kingdom because it wasn’t spoken of in the Old Testament

• We are in a ‘paused time frame’ between the 69th and 70th week — from after Israel rejected the Messiah Jesus to the Second Coming of Christ  <H86>

• This ‘pause’ provides opportunity for evangelism, not only of the Israelites but also “so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith” in this Church Age

Romans 16:25-26 NIV

[25] Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, [26] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—

** God always had a plan for the salvation of mankind — one eternal gospel — and knew who would choose to be saved since the foundations of the earth were laid  <G71>

Revelation 13:8 NIV

[8] All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast---all whose names have not been written in the Lamb's book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.

Isaiah 46:9-10 NIV

[9] Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. [10] I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

Ephesians 1:4-5 NIV

[4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will---

• Old Testament law was given by God so His people would realize they could not attain salvation through the impossibility of abiding by it, so they knew there needed to be another way to salvation and began awaiting a coming Savior

Romans 3:20-25 NIV

[20] Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. [21] But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. [22] This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [24] and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. [25] God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood---to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished---

• God’s purpose was to always redeem mankind through the blood and death of His Son on the cross; Christ’s death was the result of sin  <G77>

Galatians 4:4-5 NIV

[4] But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.

1 Peter 1:19-21 NIV

[19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Titus 3:5 NIV

[5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit

• God’s plan was revealed over time and Gentiles (particularly) eventually understood the ‘Jesus component’ needed for salvation when He arrived on earth; for instance, people eventually understood that FAITH alone was required and not simply adherence to the law and animal sacrifice

Galatians 3:7-9 NIV

[7] Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. [8] Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” [9] So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

• God deals with humans based on their level of knowledge at certain points throughout history, just like a parent would have different expectations of a 3 year old vs a 16 year old

• The parent loves them both but has different expectations of them based on their maturity and understanding

• Likewise, God takes into account what man knows of His progressively revealed plan  <G70>

Stages of God’s revealed plan:

1. In Genesis, God revealed that a Savior will come from the seed of the woman

2. At the time of Cain and Abel, animal sacrifice and conscience was introduced

3. Over time the world became exceedingly wicked, and God’s wrath (flood) and mercy (promise to never destroy again) is understood

4. Abraham taught us about God’s favor toward his descendants (through whom Jesus would come) and being justified by faith in God

5. Moses and the law (a conditional covenant) was given to God’s people so they could show evidence of their faith — both at the personal and national levels — even though they would never to able to  perfectly demonstrate their faith through obedience

6. God established a new covenant of salvation (via the criss) at the beginning of the Church Age, since Israel broke the previous covenant

7. The time between Christ’s resurrection to Pentecost, believers learned more about Christ’s offer of salvation and received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which completed the terms of His plan

8. Thus, we enter into the last days when the world is universally wicked, the rapture and Jesus’ second coming will come about; those experiencing the Tribulation will completely understand God’s offer of salvation via the 144,000 witnesses and the Israelites will recognize Jesus as their Messiah

Hebrews 10:19-22 NIV

[19] Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

** Imagine the very person you saw dying on a cross appear standing before you in a locked room; how awesome to have a loved one you are grieving join you once again!

John 20:19 NIV

[19] On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

John 20:26 NIV

[26] A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

** The Invitation to God's kingdom go out to everyone, but all do not show up because some do not accept the invitation

• The master is not satisfied with a partially full banquet hall; he wants every place at the table to be filled

• God is more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved.  <M130>

• The excuses for skipping the banquet are laughably bad and the failure to attend rests on the individual

• The detail that the invitation is opened up to society’s maimed and downtrodden is important, for these were the types of people that the Pharisees considered “unclean” and under God’s curse (John 9:1-2,34)

• Jesus, however, taught that the kingdom was available even to those considered “unclean”

• Jesus ends the parable by relating the master’s determination that “not one of those men who were invited will get a taste of my banquet”

• Those who ignored the invitation to the banquet chose their own punishment -- they missed out

• The interpretation is that the Jews of Jesus’ day had no valid excuse for spurning Jesus’ message; in fact, they had every reason to accept Him as their Messiah

• The basic message of the both parables of the Wedding Banquet and Great Banquet could be stated this way: “The tragedy of the Jewish rejection of Christ has opened the door of salvation to the Gentiles. The blessings of the kingdom are available to all who will come to Christ by faith.”  <G72>

Matthew 22:1-14 NIV [similar to Luke 14]

Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: [2] “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. [3] He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. [4] “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ [5] “But they paid no attention and went off---one to his field, another to his business. [6] The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. [7] The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. [8] “Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. [9] So go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ [10] So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, the bad as well as the good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. [11] “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. [12] He asked, ‘How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend ?’ The man was speechless. [13] “Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ [14] “For many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Luke 14:15-24 NIV [similar to Matthew 22]

[15] When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.” [16] Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. [17] At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, 'Come, for everything is now ready.' [18] “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, 'I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.' [19] “Another said, 'I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.' [20] “Still another said, 'I just got married, so I can't come.' [21] “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.' [22] “ 'Sir,' the servant said, 'what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.' [23] “Then the master told his servant, 'Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. [24] I tell you, not one of those who were invited will get a taste of my banquet.' ”

John 9:1-2,34 NIV

[1] As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. [2] His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” [34] To this they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.

** Look at it this way. You have been invited to a very special event by the President. You are told a vehicle will pick you up at 7 P.M. You wait expectantly, and the vehicle arrives but with one twist. The driver is actually the President, who is collecting you himself. That is how the Rapture will be.  <F68>

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NIV

[16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

** The beautiful thing about eschatology is that it ties in with every doctrine throughout the Bible; if we are not learning eschatology then we miss out on seeing the interconnectivity of Scripture and the Bible no longer provides a supernatural experience but just another book of literature and history  <G70>

1 Timothy 4:16 NIV

[16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

** Even with John ‘preparing the way’ as was prophesied in Isaiah and with the Jewish people eagerly awaiting the coming Messiah, they still missed or knowingly ignored the obvious sign of Jesus’ coming; how many are missing or ignoring the signs today of Jesus’ second coming?

Luke 3:1,3-4,15-16 NIV

[1] In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar---when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene--- [3] He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. [4] As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. [15] The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. [16] John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

** Believers are instructed to obey the truths of Scripture with the aid of the Holy Spirit

Revelation 22:7 NIV

[7] “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

** The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God and is a precision instrument so we can utilize appropriate verses for specific instances; we must KNOW the Word first in order to yield it effectively and boldly

Ephesians 6:17 NIV

[17] Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

1 Timothy 4:4-6 NIV

[4] For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, [5] because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. [6] If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

** Understand: accepting Christ in the present ‘here and now’ means we get Him in the future ‘there and then’

• Our job may seem complete right now but we need to be ready and focused on where God wants us next

• Don’t look back but look forward!

• Think of our life in Christ as a chess game, where God has reasons for both current and future moves

• The ‘universal chess table’ is fully under God’s control: He owns the table, He owns the pieces, He owns the timer that determines length of moves, and moves the pieces around the table as He knows best  <F64>

• God knows the BIG picture regarding our current position, where we are headed and why

• Most likely He wants us to learn from the present day and change positions on the battlefield to place our focus where needed

Proverbs 24:14 NIV

[14] Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

[11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Job 8:7-10 NIV

[7] Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be. [8] “Ask the former generation and find out what their ancestors learned, [9] for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow. [10] Will they not instruct you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?

Psalm 37:37,39-40 NIV

[37] Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. [39] The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. [40] The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.

** Jesus Christ is our Sovereign Lord who eternally occupies a throne with power to reign

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

[6] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Revelation 1:8 NIV

[8] “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 22:13 NIV

[13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

1 Timothy 6:15 NIV

[15] ... God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords,

Luke 2:10-11 NIV

[10] But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. [11] Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Matthew 5:34 NIV

[34] But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne

** God's plan is to bring judgment on those who promote and follow evil; we need to keep perspective on this tribulation period when Satan appears to be winning  <S190>

• God's plan is to use evil and their civil war to accomplish His plan; the best example is Christ on the cross, using evil men to accomplish His purpose

• Despite the difficulty and persecution: remember that they can kill the body, but they cannot kill the soul

• Our life is but a speck and we have heaven waiting

• Perspective on life is important: pessimistic or optimistic?

• Much like remembering there is a sun behind months of clouds

• Remember the eternal perspective that God is winning as His plan is unfolding

Revelation 17:16-17 NIV

[16] The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. [17] For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled.

Revelation 17:8 NIV

[8] The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and yet will come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because it once was, now is not, and yet will come.

** If we don't receive the word of God eagerly and accurately, then we won't know how to apply it to our lives  <C31>

• Seize every opportunity to learn God's word and  apply it to your daily life

• If we stop growing then we are not trying; God gives us every opportunity to mature

• Be quick to listen and slow to speak; make sure you are saying what God wants you to say

• Are you agitated and carry resentment with the message of God's word?

James 1:19-21 NIV

[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. [21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

** Put all sin aside so you receive God's word with a prepared heart; sin hinders growth that results from hearing His word  <C31>

• There’s nothing wrong with God's seed (word) but only the soil that receives it

• Receive God's word with humility; know that we cannot survive or succeed without His guidance

James 1:21 NIV

[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

** Christians are ambassadors for our sovereign Christ; this is not a metaphor but a responsibility

An ambassador has a specific role, not only to simply represent their king but to:

• Operate in an official legal capacity  

• Go in with a mandate, not treat it like a flippant task that has low priority

• Put aside any personal interest so they can purely speak for the king

• Study and prepare to know who to represent

• Be an effective communicator

• Confidently represent their government and not them self

• Understand the culture he is placed in; being in their world, not becoming part of it

• Understand the issues coming and know the pressure points  <T202>

2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV

[20] We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

• As ambassadors for Christ, do we effectively and unapologetically defend the faith in season and out of season?  <F61>

Colossians 4:6 NIV

[6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

[2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage---with great patience and careful instruction.

** Jesus is our Intercessor to God — as Jesus is in God, we can be in Jesus, and therefore be in unity with God; Jesus can give believers the glory that the Father gave Him

John 17:22-23 NIV

[22] I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one--- [23] I in them and you in me---so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Jesus is the Advocate for Christians, meaning He is our Great Defender and is always pleading our case before the Father — like a defense lawyer on our behalf; this is the intercessory role He currently fulfills for those who are His  <G72>

1 John 2:1 NIV

[1] My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father---Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

** There are five ways to know the Bible is true and know the God who provided us with His word:

1. EXPERIENCE — subjective proof that countless people through the centuries believed and have been transformed to:

• Experience the peace that passes understanding

• Pass from ignorance to truth

• Pass from death to life

• Pass from sorrow to joy

• Pass from lies to truth

• Pass from apathy to zealous for Christ

• Pass from depression to a reason to live

• Pass from following the world to following God

• Pass from kingdom of darkness to kingdom of light

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Philippians 4:7 NIV

[7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Titus 2:14 NIV

[14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV

[26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

2. REALITY / SCIENCE — the Bible reflects an objective understanding of reality

• Universe and it’s elements (of time, force, action, space & matter) exist including its countless stars; first verse in the Bible covers all five elements

• Created by a power greater than itself — how do you explain the vast cohesion of macro and micro in this universe, including the 30 trillion cells of 200 kinds in your body alone?

• Created by a person, otherwise we are told to believe an inanimate object is eternal and created something greater than itself (Big Bang); never in science does something simple become more complex, like silver becoming a TV

• God knows and controls every aspect of His creation according to His laws

• God’s book reflects this reality as opposed to Hindu belief that the sun is the source of energy for all life and all other errors in other religions

Genesis 1:1 NIV

[1] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Isaiah 40:26 NIV

[26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Ecclesiastes 1:10 NIV

[10] Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new”? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.

Jeremiah 33:22 NIV

[22] I will make the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who minister before me as countless as the stars in the sky and as measureless as the sand on the seashore.' ”

Isaiah 40:12 NIV

[12] Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?

3. MIRACLES — God’s book contains miracles He does supernaturally

• Miracles throughout the Bible where God steps into the natural world and over-riding it with His divine power

• Miracles are visible with eye-witnesses

• Jesus performed miracles during His life on earth, recorded in the four gospels at the start of the New Testament

4. PROPHECY — One third of Scripture contains prophecy

• Many prophecies regarding Christ’s first coming were told in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament

• Probability of just 8 predictions coming true = two feet of silver dollars across state of Texas and blind man picking the one marked coin

Isaiah 41:21,23 NIV

[21] “Present your case, ” says the Lord. “Set forth your arguments,” says Jacob's King. [23] tell us what the future holds, so we may know that you are gods. Do something, whether good or bad, so that we will be dismayed and filled with fear.

5. JESUS CHRIST — the ultimate proof that the Bible is true

• Christ is not a human invention

• Fulfilled Old Testament promises of the Messiah who is a mediator, reconciler, redeemer, savior, servant, great prophet, virgin born in Bethlehem, in the line of David, speaker of God’s word, performing miracles, entering Jerusalem on a donkey, slave of Jehovah doing His will, anointed by the Holy Spirit, rejected, suffer crucifixion, nailed and pierced, buried in a rich man’s tomb, rise from the dead, become a light to the Jews, offer salvation, ascend to glory and be exalted as King  

• Jesus taught that the Scriptures were about Him

• Jesus, the One who gave us laws and consequences for disobedience (sin), provides a way of escape  <M130>

Luke 24:25-27 NIV

[25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

John 14:19 NIV

[19] Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

** God’s creation, as now ‘better understood’ through science, has been in effect since God designed this universe  <M130>

• Earth rotates on its axis at 1,000 miles per hour giving us days

• Earth rotates around the sun at 67,000 miles per hour giving us seasons

• Our solar system (sun and everything around it) is being dragged through the Milky Way at 490,000 miles per hour

• Our atmosphere that protects the planet is moving at the same speed

According to scientists, all galaxies in our neighborhood are moving with us toward ‘The Great Attractor’

• This is 150 million light years away; one light year is 6 trillion miles

• The mass of this Attractor is 100-quintillion times greater than the sun

• It has visible material and stretches to the edge of infinite darkness

And man says he wants to ‘control the climate’; scientists say: if you want to worry about something, worry that the earth slows down because if it does, the atmosphere would continue to move and it would rip everything off the face of the earth.

What kind of power is God to create such a universe?  Rest assured, only God can continue to save our planet — but there will be a day all of this will be destroyed because unrighteousness (sin) tarnished His creation!

Psalm 19:1-4 NIV

[1] The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. [2] Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. [3] They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. [4] Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

2 Peter 3:7,10 NIV

[7] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. [10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

** As foreseen by Ezekiel, the dry bones made a great rattling sound as the Jews gathered back together beginning at the turn of the 20th century. As muscle and flesh were added to the skeletal frames, they finally stood up and claimed their ancient homeland of Israel.  <M139>

Ezekiel 37:4-6 NIV

[4] Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! [5] This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. [6] I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord. ' ”

** As Christians we should think about what is most important in life and want to connect with the living God

Mark 12:28 NIV

[28] One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

• Jews put a lot of emphasis on following the law and were often tempted to add to it

• The scribe asked about the priority of commandments most likely because he wanted to trick/discredit Jesus

• Jews treated God like they would when following a recipe; their relationship was based on works

• Our aim should be to move beyond following the rules and concern ourselves with spiritual reality

• As fruit has a seed to produce, so God plants a seed in us with all the genetic info needed to produce and reach our potential

• We need to be rooted in His soil in order to grow and realize our potential

• We all have opportunity to nurture our faith in this way  <C31>

** The benefits of the cross are multiple: atonement for sin, presence of HS within us, conquering death, eternity, etc  <C31>

FIRST SIN AND FIRST SIGN OF HOPE

• Adam & Eve were in a perfect relationship with God in a perfect environment

• They brought sin and death into the world when disobeying God's command

• Likewise, we like sheep have gone astray in sin and are responsible for our actions

• In the middle of curses, God gave hope!

• God promised to destroy Satan's power, for Jesus (seed of Adam) will strike his heel meaning that Satan's plan to reign could not be fulfilled

Genesis 3:15 NIV

[15] And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”

RESURRECTION PROMISED LONG AGO

• God always had a plan to deal with this sin and give us life

• Mary gave birth to Jesus who would solve this problem through mankind

• Daniel refers to God protecting those who belong to Him in times of trouble, and Job also knew of this hope

Daniel 12:1-2 NIV

[1] “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people---everyone whose name is found written in the book---will be delivered. [2] Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Job 19:25-27 NIV

[25] I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. [26] And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; [27] I myself will see him with my own eyes---I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

HOPE IS REALITY AT EMPTY TOMB

 • Until Jesus walked out of the tomb, He was still just another guy

• The resurrection miracle proved He is God and guarantees OUR resurrection when we follow and trust Him

• The rainbow and empty tomb are reminder that God is in control and Jesus promises to intercede for us!

• Given these realities, WE HAVE HOPE

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 NIV

[20] But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. [21] For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. [22] For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

** The first trumpet was God calling the Israelites for the first time as a nation at Mount Sinai; the last trumpet will be the gathering of all believers in the air as Jesus comes for His bride in the end of days!  <G70>

• Last trumpet = church

• First trumpet = Israel

• Trumpet of God = church

• Trumpet of angels = Israel  <F60>

Exodus 19:16-20 NIV

[16] On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. [17] Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. [18] Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. [19] As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. [20] The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV

[16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. [17] After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

** To love God is to read the Holy Scripture and let His word guide us daily  <C31>

• As His people were to enter the Promised Land, God repeatedly told His people to focus, worship and serve only Him

• At the time of Moses there was no printing press, so the Israelites were to take parts of Scripture and remember His truth in varying ways

• Remembering and prioritizing God was to protect them from falling away from Him and protect them from following false teaching

Deuteronomy 6:13-14 NIV

[13] Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. [14] Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you

• Other religions pay homage to small individual gods — such as a god of love, another god of power, god of fortune, etc

• God remains the one and ONLY God who has existed for all eternity — from before creation to today and beyond!

Deuteronomy 6:9 NIV

[9] Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Deuteronomy 6:12 NIV

[12] be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

** Next to praying, there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading. By reading that Book, we may learn:

• What to believe

• What to be

• What to do

• How to live with comfort, and

• How to die in peace

2 Timothy 3:15 NIV

[15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

The Bible alone can:

• Show you the way which leads to Heaven

• Teach you everything you need to know

• Point out everything you need to believe, and

• Explain everything you need to do

It alone can show you:

• What you are, a sinner

• What God is, perfectly holy

• The great giver of pardon, peace, and grace--Jesus Christ

The Bible applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit, is the grand instrument by which souls are converted to God. In this way the Bible has worked moral miracles by thousands! It has made:

• Drunkards become sober

• Immoral people become pure

• Thieves become honest, and

• Violent people become meek!

The Bible has wholly altered the course of men's lives!

• It has caused their old things to pass away and made all their ways new

• It has taught worldly people to seek first the kingdom of God

• It has taught lovers of pleasure to become lovers of God

• It has changed the stream of men's affections to run upwards instead of running downwards

• It has made men think of Heaven instead of always thinking of earth

The Bible can enable a man to:

• Bear afflictions without murmuring and say, "It is well."

• Look down into the grave and say, "I fear no evil."

• Think on judgment and eternity and not feel afraid

All other books in the world, however good and useful in their way, are more or less defective. The more you look at them, the more you see their defects and blemishes. The Bible alone is absolutely perfect. From beginning to end, it is "the Word of God."

A man must make the Bible alone his rule. He must receive nothing and believe nothing which is not according to the Word. He must try all religious teaching by one simple test:

Does it square with the Bible? What do the Scriptures say?  <R170>

2 Timothy 3:16 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

** God holds all men responsible for their response to His creation

• Some may refuse to acknowledge what He has shown of Himself in His creation

• Even those who have never had an opportunity to verbally hear the gospel, receive witness of the existence and character of God

• If a person positively responds to His revelation, even if it is a solely ‘natural revelation’, God will provide some means for that person to hear the gospel  <M130>

Romans 1:20 NIV

[20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities---his eternal power and divine nature---have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Acts 17:27 NIV

[27] God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

Acts 8:26-29 NIV

[26] Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road---the desert road---that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” [27] So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, [28] and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. [29] The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

** We need to study God’s word in order to identify and stay away from false teaching

Ephesians 5:6-8 NIV

[6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

Matthew 24:4-5 NIV

[4] Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many.

** Going back to the Torah and to the prophets, Jesus opened [the eyes of those who were dejected that Christ died] to what was really going on. They were bogged down in the circumstances.

Jesus showed them the big picture. The Lord suffered, but it was all part of a glorious plan that the Father had laid out before the beginning of time.

Likewise, we may suffer blows on this earth, but Jesus is alive and is coming soon! That is our awaited hope and source of joy amid a world that continues to grow darker.  <T203>

Luke 24:25-31 NIV

[25] He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” [27] And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. [28] As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. [29] But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. [30] When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. [31] Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

** There are many typologies in Scripture — pictures of coming events — including parallels between the accounts of Joseph and Jesus  <G71> <B23>

• Both living in Egypt at a young age

• Both were sold as slaves for silver

• Both separated from their father for a period of time but the reuniting was awesome

• Both were stripped of garments

• Both betrayed by own brethren even though innocent

• Both betrayed because of truth shared

• Both going about business being righteous then falsely accused and enduring a mock trial

• Both being rejected by their own — sinless Christ rejected by His people the Israelites and Joseph being rejected after telling his family about his dreams

• Both leaders (Potiphar and Pilot) knew their innocence yet wanted to safe face

• Both ended up in a pit (Christ after His death) only to then ascend to the highest throne

• Both had to separate from their father in order to bring about salvation

• Both being a blessing to Israel and the Church

• Both dire situations are used by God to bring about salvation — from famine and sin

• Both Joseph and Jesus are the source of life — as Joseph was for Egypt, so Christ will be via the 144,000 testimonies and 2 witnesses during the Tribulation

• Both recipients of these men ONLY are blessed as a result through NO effort of their own

The 7 good years, when Joseph stored crops in advance of the 7 lean years of hardship and when he revealed himself to his brothers, finds its equivalent today when Christ is increasing Christian resources and will revealing Himself to Israel during the difficult days that lie ahead.

Resources being accumulated now before the soon coming times of tribulation include:

• Testimonies of those coming to Christ

• Left behind notes

• Videos on the gospel and

• Tools to help believers mature in Christ

I pray this Scriptural Journal is one of those tools He can use!

Genesis 37:5-10ff NIV

[5] Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. [6] He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: [7] We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” [8] His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. [9] Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” [10] When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?”

Romans 5:14 NIV

[14] Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.

** There are many typologies in Scripture (accounts that foreshadow future events) such as when God provided a substitute sacrifice for Abraham so he didn't have to sacrifice his own flesh and blood

• As foreshadowed, God provided a substitute sacrifice of His only son in place of our death

• The account of Abraham willing to sacrifice his son is a picture of the future substitutionary death and resurrection of Jesus

Genesis 22:2-3,7-8,10-14 NIV

[2] Then God said, “Take your son , your only son, whom you love---Isaac---and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you. ” [3] Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. [7] Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” [8] Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. [10] Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. [11] But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. [12] “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son. ” [13] Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. [14] So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided. ”

Romans 5:14 NIV

[14] Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.

** Christians are called to do two things —

1. Share the gospel and make disciples around the world, and

2. Know the sign of the times

If Noah didn’t know the time he was in, he would not have built the ark; likewise we won’t be ready for Christ’s return or help others wake up if we don’t know the time!  <G70>

Matthew 16:1-4 NIV

[1] The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. [2] He replied, “When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' [3] and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. [4] A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

2 Peter 1:19 NIV

[19] We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Luke 12:39-40 NIV

[39] But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. [40] You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

James 5:8 NIV

[8] You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

** Recognize and proclaim the goodness of God, then let others know of His sacrifice — coming to earth and eventually taking on our sin at the cross

• Christmas is too good a message not to share

• The lost need to hear about God's mercy and love; it is our responsibility as children of God

• Salvation was too good for David to hide; when he met with God's people he had to praise God

• Look for God's work among us and act out of a thankful heart; celebrate all that God has done!  <C31>

Psalm 40:9-10 NIV

[9] I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. [10] I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.

** As a prism reflects light, so should we reveal to others what they may not see about God; if God did not reveal Himself we would not know He exists

There are two ways God reveals Himself:

a) general revelation through creation and nature

Psalm 19:1-6 NIV

[1] The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. [2] Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. [3] They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. [4] Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. [5] It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. [6] It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

b) special revelation through His word Scripture

Psalm 19:7-14 NIV

[7] The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. [8] The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. [10] They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. [11] By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. [12] But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. [13] Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. [14] May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

** God values every person and can use any of us to speak into the lives of others!

• For instance, Charles Spurgeon (from 1800s) learned his theology and Bible content from the cook at his boarding school

AT TIMES WE FEEL INSIGNIFICANT

• How do we estimate our personal worth?

• So many people find their worth in a relationship (such as parent approval or spousal relationship), educational degree or career

• What happens if/when these things are taken away?

• David took his stand (probably in facing Goliath) because of his trust in God

• David was reminded of God's power when looking at the night sky, and he recognized that man is nothing without God

Psalm 8:4 NIV

[4] what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

NO ONE IS OVERLOOKED BY GOD

• We should never undervalue the majesty of God, for He is the God of all creation; reread Genesis 1-2

• God can use anything to demonstrate His glory

• God created/designed us and knows what is best for us

• God loves us too much to leave us as we are and we should strive to continually grow

• Understand that we have a special place in God's world because we are sons of God

• We should reflect God as we have dominion over the earth  <C31>

Psalm 8:5-6 NIV

[5] You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. [6] You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet

** Caesarea Philippi was the most pagan place in the region where Jesus ministered and the people of that region had an altar they termed ‘the rock’; Jesus did not shy away from evil but confirmed that His church would be built to confront it and “the gates of Hades will not overcome it”  <D40>

Matthew 16:13,16-18 NIV

[13] When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” [16] Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [17] Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. [18] And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

** Jesus’ kingdom was furthered by a remnant of approximately 110 disillusioned believers (disciples and small gathering) after Christ died and ascended to heaven; they probably were disillusioned until they witnessed Jesus in the upper room

The message of the Christian faith is a stench to the pagan world, yet there is a remnant of believers today who need to carry God’s truth forward regardless of the uncertainty and unpopular response we feel and encounter; be comfortable being uncomfortable  <D40> <M132>

Romans 11:5 NIV

[5] So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

** While we have limited time on earth, God has ETERNITY at His disposal to fulfill His plan — not just the last thousands of years that we know about that were written in Scripture

We are called to repent, turn from sin and turn toward God

• Part of His plan was to die in our place and for us to recognize the cost/ugliness of sin

• We have the choice whether we will accept this gift and repent toward a better life

• Like a potter who is patient when creating, God is patient in creating us

• God is patient so more people can turn to Him, but there will be an end point

Isaiah 49:6 NIV

[6] he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Romans 8:21 NIV

[21] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

• One day is like a thousand years and God is patiently guiding history toward His second coming

• God created all of us for relationship and to experience His love, even though not everyone will accept

• God's plan toward this end has not changed and we continue to move in this direction  <C31>

2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV

[8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. [9] The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Isaiah 14:26-27 NIV

[26] This is the plan determined for the whole world; this is the hand stretched out over all nations. [27] For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

** If you believe and love nature's God, it is surprising how easy it is to:

• Hear music in the waves, and songs in the wild whisperings of the winds

• See God everywhere — in the stones, in the rocks, in the rippling brooks

• Hear Him everywhere — in the lowing of cattle, in the rolling of thunder, and in the fury of tempests  <S185>

Romans 1:20 NIV

[20] For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities---his eternal power and divine nature---have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

** We should aim to understand the big picture, asking why God created the heaven and earth: He desires an ever-increasingly deep relationship with His creation  

• Humans were the only creation with a soul — with the ability to think and reason — and were set above everything else

• God created humans in His image and continues to desire relationship with us

Genesis 1:26 NIV

[26] Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

** We do not conjure up truth, we seek truth  <D40>

John 7:18 NIV

[18] Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

** Scripture charts the course — not only from where we came (history) but where we are (GPS) and where we are going (prophecy)

• Old Testament prophets brought God's message that revealed who God is

• God revealed more of His message through Jesus

• Peter, James and John could give an eyewitness account of Jesus; we don't have that privilege but we have Scripture that is reliable  <C31>

2 Peter 1:18-19 NIV

[18] We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. [19] We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

** All religions except Christianity require people to attain what is needed for salvation, but God reaches down to OFFER us salvation if we simply accept His terms as outlined in His Word; followers of Christ don’t need to earn merit  <J102>

Religion = man’s attempt to reach God

Bible = God’s attempt to reach man

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

** As Daniel prophesied, Christ will visibly appear and come in majesty with every eye being able to witness; God can show Himself at the same time to all on earth

• Part of Daniel’s vision includes someone like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven: “I was watching in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of Man (Jesus), coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days (the Father), and they brought him near before Him”

• This Son of Man is led into God’s presence, where He is given authority over all the nations of the world

• People of every nation obey him and His kingdom will never be destroyed

• The Son of Man is Christ, who will return in glory to pronounce judgment on the world and usher in His eternal kingdom

• Jesus confirmed His role in Daniel’s prophecy during His trial, just before His crucifixion (Mark 14:61–62)  <L120>

Revelation 1:7 NIV

[7] “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.

Daniel 7:13 NIV

[13] “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence.

Mark 14:61-62 NIV

[61] But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” [62] “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

** God used the prophets to bring the message that we can be saved and fulfill God's plan when recognizing the suffering of the Messiah

• They trusted the message even though they did not see its fulfillment = faith

• They realized the news would benefit numerous generations to come

1 Peter 1:12 NIV

[12] It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Today we have opportunity to share the same message but we also have the Holy Spirit and Bible at our disposal

• We can get to 'the top' and find fulfillment through the help of the Holy Spirit and God’s Biblical truth

• If we don't have eternal security then we don't have anything, and all our accomplishments mean nothing at life's end  <C31>

** Peter conveys an urgent need to turn to God before the end times

• We will face condemnation in the final judgment

• The Great White judgment (Rev 20:11-15) = those who do not turn to Christ according to God's offer will appear before God; everything ever done will be judged

• Bema Seat judgment (2 Cor 5:10) = includes followers of Christ who appear before Christ to be judged by all things done, whether good or bad; awarded for faithful service

• The point is, there will be an accounting either way and God wants us to repent so we can have a real life of eternity

1 Peter 4:6 NIV

[6] For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

** God is far above us in every way — character, holiness, power, and majesty; we won't be in awe of God if we are not in love with God

1 Peter 1:17-21 NIV

[17] Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. [18] For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [20] He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. [21] Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Psalm 148:13 NIV

Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.

Three ways to live in awe of God;

a) Remember that God is our Heavenly Father

• As a Father, He looks at us as one who loves us and as a disciplinarian and creator etc

• God wants what is ultimately good for us

• God does not show any partiality; stays doesn't matter but rather our sin condition

b) Rejoice that we have been ransomed (18-19)

• We are saved from difficult situations

• We are held captive until God provides Jesus to be our ransom

• Without Christ we are slaves to sin

• At the time when this was written, there were an estimate of 60 million slaves in the Roman Empire; they would understand the word 'ransom'

• We can do nothing to redeem ourselves (silver or gold) but only Jesus can meet God's requirement for the penalty of sin which is death

c) Rest secure in God's eternal plan (20-21)

• Jesus planned to die before He created the world!

• It is difficult to understand but we can be in awe that He thought of and provided a way to redeem us

• God chose the perfect time in history to come to earth and die for us; the Roman Empire was ripe for spreading the Gospel

• Christ’s resurrection guarantees our faith and hope

** To be our GOD, is more than being our friend, helper, or benefactor — creatures may be so to us. He engages to do us good according to His all-sufficiency; to bestow upon us blessings which none else can!

• He will pardon us; and pardon like a God!

• He will sanctify us; and sanctify us like a God

• He will comfort us; and comfort us like a God

• He will glorify us; and glorify us like a God!

• If He is our God; He is our All

Make a God of Him! Look to Him for all that He has promised — which is all that you need! Adore His Divine perfections, and rejoice that they are all engaged to make you eternally blessed.

Live to His glory, walk by His Word, and He will glorify Himself in your present and everlasting welfare. He rejoices to do good unto His people, He delights to bless them!  <S183>

Hebrews 8:10b NIV

[10] …I will be their God, and they will be my people.

** We should always be seeking what God wants us to do; it is a good sign that true believers desire to please the Father  <C31>

God has a will for us:

• We should say "if the Lord wills"

• He wills, for instance, that everyone should come to Him

• A sanctified holy life is also His will; avoiding sexual sin and surrendering our life to Him

2 Corinthians 8:5 NIV

[5] And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 NIV

[3] It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;

Romans 12:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God---this is your true and proper worship.

Benefits of doing God's will:

• Some think being a Christian is restrictive when it is, in actuality, freeing

• His will is safest place to be; like Jesus in the midst of storm on the boat with disciples

• During times of struggle we sometimes feel He is distant; yet He will not let anything come in the way of you accomplishing His will

James 4:13-16 NIV

[13] Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” [14] Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. [15] Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.” [16] As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

Luke 8:24 NIV

[24] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we're going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.

** Some believe God is more like a clock-maker who created the world and then wound it up to let it run its course while followers of Christ view God more like a gardener who plants, tends, and harvests

• Peter reminds the reader of God’s creation to show His intervention in human history  <C31>

• Peter goes on to reveal not only how He intervened and judged the earth with the Flood, but describes how He will intervene in the future

• We can expect God to judge the earth again with fire before establishing the Millennium and creating the new Heavens and Earth  <H87>

2 Peter 3:5-6 NIV

[5] But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. [6] By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed.

** It is foolishness to refuse to follow God's will

• Life is short and complex and uncertain; we don't know what will happen tomorrow

• Don’t spend your resources on promoting yourself

• Remember the rich man who died — even his wealth did not help him escape the final result

• As believers, we are not to stubbornly dictate where we should go; don’t arrogantly deny God's will, for it is sin to disobey God's will  <C31>

James 4:16-17 NIV

[16] As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. [17] If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.

Psalm 90:12 NIV

[12] Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Luke 12:16-21 NIV

[16] And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. [17] He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' [18] “Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. [19] And I'll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ' [20] “But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' [21] “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

2 Peter 2:21 NIV

[21] It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.

** Throughout the many hundreds of generations that have existed, there have been at least five occasions when mankind became so wicked that God had to personally intervene. The first time it happened, there was a global judgment that nearly wiped out all of mankind. The last time will again be global in nature. For all intents and purposes, we can call these cursed generations.

Antediluvian Generation: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Genesis 6:5-8 NIV

[5] The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. [6] The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. [7] So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created---and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground---for I regret that I have made them. ” [8] But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

Tower of Babel: But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

Genesis 11:5-9 NIV

[5] But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. [6] The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. [7] Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” [8] So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. [9] That is why it was called Babel---because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

Sodom & Gomorrah: The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar. Then the Lord rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the Lord out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.

Genesis 19:23-25 NIV

[23] By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. [24] Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah---from the Lord out of the heavens. [25] Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities---and also the vegetation in the land.

Messiah's Generation: Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 12:38-42 NIV

[38] Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” [39] He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. [40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [41] The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. [42] The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.

Last Generation: But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  <G70>

2 Timothy 3:1-7 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--- [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. [6] They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, [7] always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

** They scourge Him, crown Him with thorns, clothe Him with an old purple robe, smite Him with their fists; and now Pilate brings Him forth, saying, "Behold the Man!"

In His whole life He was holy, harmless, undefiled, full of mercy, and went about doing good. Yet, because He condemned sin, and required submission to God's righteousness, He was hated, persecuted, and murdered!

Let us behold this Man! He exercised all the virtues which could adorn humanity. See His meekness, gentleness, patience, faith, fortitude, pity, and perfect love to God and man. O lovely character! O perfect pattern of holiness! …

And may I also behold Him, coming in power and great glory! What a contrast will there be:

• between His first, and second coming

• His cross, and His throne

• His crown of thorns, and His crown of glory

• as He appeared before Pilate and the Jewish rabble, and as surrounded with all the armies of Heaven, and all His saints with Him!  <S183>

John 19:5 KJV

[5] Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

** As long as God gives you another breath in this life, He has something for you to do — so finish your race as God desires; if you are surrounded by those who don’t want to hear or accept the salvation-gift God has to offer, then keep looking for someone who does  <D40>

Acts 20:24 NIV

[24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me---the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

Galatians 5:7 NIV

[7] You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?

2 Timothy 4:6-7 NIV

[6] For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. [7] I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

** God’s work in our life should produce a burning desire to share with others

• Does our life in Christ mean something or is it just information to be passed on?

• Share your experience, be honest about your beliefs and how the gospel has impacted you

• Peter is precise, not clouding the message, so we should also be precise about the truth of God's word  <C31>

2 Peter 1:16-18 NIV

[16] For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” [18] We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

** There are three words to help evangelize — authority, action and assurance  <C31>

AUTHORITY

• All authority is given to Jesus who is absolutely sovereign; focus on the Bible as ultimate guide

• Jesus calls us as His messengers to reveal Himself to the world so people come to Him!

• The message we carry is God's message which is true and the only way to come to salvation

• To love the world means recognizing others needing the changing power of God; it is an intellectual decision and not always a feeling

ACTION

• Believers need to put our witness into action what we know to be true

• We need to deliver God’s message to the ends of the earth (all cultures) because God loves everyone

• The Great Commission has two parts: evangelism and discipleship

Evangelism = share the gospel of Jesus' death and resurrection

- our message needs to reveal God's way of dealing with our sin in order to establish a relationship with Him by choice

- it is not just about doing good things but making a choice to believe and follow Christ

- message must be honed to suit the listener and from where they are coming

Discipleship = guiding another to learn and follow

- encouraging others to continually grow after making the decision to follow Christ

- being a disciple is more than following rules in a religion, but changing your life to reflect a change and desire to grow in Christ

ASSURANCE

• Assurance is a guarantee or confidence that something will happen

• God will provide us with wisdom, words, timing and the power needed to share

• Results are not always evident, for sometimes we are seed-planters, laying a foundation

• Be assured that God will be with us to the end of the age (this life) and beyond!

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

[18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 NIV

[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

** The Christ child was to be named Jesus, which means 'Savior' and 'Immanuel'; Christ arrived at a time when there were no living prophets

Matthew 1:21 NIV

[21] She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:23 NIV

[23] “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

** It may appear we are facing difficulty alone at times, but the One who created the winds and waves knows what we are going through and will help see us through!

Matthew 8:23-27 NIV

[23] Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. [24] Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. [25] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We're going to drown!” [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. [27] The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Psalm 116:3-6 NIV

[3] The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. [4] Then I called on the name of the Lord: “Lord, save me! ” [5] The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. [6] The Lord protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me.

** King Herod became king of the Jews in 37 BC and always feared others would take over his kingship; he even killed his wives and sons and then had all boys under 2 killed because he didn’t find Jesus

Matthew 2:7-8,12-13,16 NIV

[7] Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. [8] He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.” [12] And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. [13] When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” [16] When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.

Jeremiah 31:15 NIV [fulfilled prophecy]

[15] This is what the Lord says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

** The teachings of the Old Testament were proclaimed until the gospel teachings of John in the New Testament

Luke 16:16 NIV

[16] “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.

** God's word is eternal which stands the test of time

Luke 16:17 NIV

[17] It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.

** No other religion has prophecy and the truth of God’s word hinges on every verse in the Bible — if one verse fails, then the entire Scripture comes into question but it has proven to be 100% accurate!  <G70>

Revelation 22:18-19 NIV

[18] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. [19] And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

** God sent His Son at exactly the right moment in history when paved roads and common language under Roman rule allowed messengers to spread the word of His coming to the world beyond Judah  <D40>

• In the first centuries AD, the Roman Empire constructed a vast network of roads stretching over 50,000 miles

• These highways were engineering marvels of the ancient world -- built in straight lines, layered with stone and packed sand, and marked with milestones for distance.

• The Romans’ primary aim was to unite and control their empire: roads enabled efficient commerce, rapid communication, and swift movement of legions to far-flung frontiers  marching up to 20 miles a day

• In short, Rome built the roads to solidify its power and prosperity

• But the apostles and early missionaries found that the Roman roads allowed them to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ further and faster than would have been possible in earlier eras

• Later, however, Roman roads were used to hunt, arrest, and execute Christians

• But those same roads also carried Paul’s letters, transported evangelists, and enabled the church to grow across the known world

• The diaspora of persecuted Christians carried the message of Christ to places it had never been, effectively turning Roman roads into highways of hope  <H9993>

Galatians 4:4 NIV

[4] But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law

Acts 8:4 NIV

[4] Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

** Solomon encourages people to enjoy life in the face of injustice; he does not condone unbridled indulgence in sin but, rather, to be “rich toward God”

Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 NIV

[14] There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. [15] So I commend the enjoyment of life , because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

Luke 12:16-21 NIV

[16] And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. [17] He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' [18] “Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. [19] And I'll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ' [20] “But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' [21] “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

** God offers varied blessings and protection when we follow His decrees; times may get tough but we can be blessed through them

Psalm 16:5-6 NIV

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. [6] The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Psalm 16:11 NIV

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

** God created human beings and desires to spend eternity with them!

Revelation 21:3 NIV

[3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

** Fathers (Ps 128:1), mothers (Prov 31:30) and children (Ps 34:11) are to fear the Lord; Psalm 128 may have been the basis for Jesus’ parable regarding the two builders (Matt 7:24-27)

Psalm 128:1-4 NIV

[1] Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. [2] You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. [3] Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. [4] Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.

Proverbs 31:30 NIV

[30] Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Psalm 34:11 NIV

[11] Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

[24] “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

** Jesus did not say “Go, be delivered from all your moral temptations” before you complete the Great Commission

• It's not about you, it’s about Him

• We are not to try to be ‘good enough’ before embarking on our mission

• God knows we are all sinners and He dealt with that on the cross, thus calling us in our redemptive state

• We will NEVER be ready if we are waiting to be good enough!  <D40>

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

[18] Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

** Do we have an excitement to be with the Lord, anxiously waiting to seek His mercies in the morning?

Song of Songs 2:8-9 NIV

[8] Listen! My beloved! Look! Here he comes, leaping across the mountains, bounding over the hills. [9] My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look! There he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice.

** God will make our alone time with Him the most important part of our day as we comprehend His love for us!

Song of Songs 2:14 NIV

[14] My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.

Romans 8:38-39 NIV

[38] For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

** Godless man tries to control every aspect of his life, including seeding the clouds to induce rain, rather than acknowledging our Creator and asking Him to provide rain when needed

Zechariah 10:1 NIV

[1] Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime;

 it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.

** Nimrod was the first warrior/leader who set up a kingdom and led the construction of the Tower of Babel; the concept of man trying to attain superiority over or equity with God appears throughout Scripture, which will end with the Antichrist

Genesis 10:8-10 NIV

[8] Cush was the father of Nimrod, who became a mighty warrior on the earth. [9] He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; that is why it is said, “Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before the Lord.” [10] The first centers of his kingdom were Babylon, Uruk, Akkad and Kalneh, in Shinar.

God was not pleased with their intent to create a single nation via the building of the tower, so He confused their language; God did not destroy their plan but merely postponed it, for man will continue to try to do the same into the end times with the resurgence of Babylon  <L123>

Genesis 11:6-7 NIV

[6] The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. [7] Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”

** God is in complete control of the seasons and temperatures; there is no man-made climate change or global warming — this is a narrative from an arrogant population that denies God and believes they are in control

Genesis 8:22 NIV

[22] “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

** There has to be something different about me so people ask me why I am the way I am, which is better than forcing my testimony on others at will; their questioning presents a perfect opportunity to explain how Jesus affected my life — how He shaped my worldview which further motivates me to think and act upon my beliefs

The daughters of Jerusalem asked the woman why her beloved is so special and she had opportunity to explain why  <F60>

• radiant = pure

• ruddy = strong

• outstanding = leader

• gold = divine

• eyes as doves, by streams = prince of peace

• lips dripping myrrh = speaking word of God

• arms, body, legs = strength to do all things

• mouth = speaking sweetness, no harshness

• friend = relating to all, including sinners

Song of Songs 5:9-16 NIV

[9] How is your beloved better than others, most beautiful of women? How is your beloved better than others, that you so charge us? [10] My beloved is radiant and ruddy, outstanding among ten thousand. [11] His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven. [12] His eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels. [13] His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume. His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh. [14] His arms are rods of gold set with topaz. His body is like polished ivory decorated with lapis lazuli. [15] His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold. His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars. [16] His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend, daughters of Jerusalem.

** What are pastors supposed to be doing in light of Christ’s appearing?  Preach the word!  And 2/3 of the time those in his audience should be uncomfortable because God’s Word is to be used to correct and rebuke, not just encourage  <C36>

2 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

[1] In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: [2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage---with great patience and careful instruction.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

[15] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

** Take every opportunity to preach the Word of God; Paul and apostles set their priorities to suit the needs of others and not themselves or their own agenda

Acts 6:2 NIV

[2] So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

2 Timothy 4:1-4 NIV

[1] In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: [2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage---with great patience and careful instruction. [3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

** Our ability to recognize our responsibility here on earth is the first step towards accessing these congratulatory words of Christ. The mandate of the Great Commission is not an option to be considered by Christians, it is a command that must be obeyed. Embracing the mandate of “go ye” will inevitably help us to preach the Gospel and disciple converts as Christ commanded us. Obedience to the Word of God is non-negotiable.

The greatest mistake that we can make as Christians is for us to be oblivious to the fact that we will give an account of our stewardship here on earth. Developing accountability consciousness will guide us and help us rein in our fleshly excesses. It will help us to always recognize when we are deviating from God’s calling in our lives. We can easily go back to God for help when deviations and weaknesses are identified. We should also remember that we will give an account for everything God has given to us including our talents and resources.

In getting prepared to hear Jesus say “well done my good and faithful servants” to us, all hands must be on deck, and everyone must contribute his quota by effectively carrying out this assignment.

Some are given the responsibility to go to the mission fields, some are given the responsibility to support the goers with resources, while some are saddled with the responsibility to pray for the success of missionary work. If we are all carrying out these assignments faithfully, we can all rest assured that we are carrying out Jesus’ mission for our lives.  <A13>

Matthew 25:19-21 NIV

[19] “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. [20] The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.' [21] “His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

** The ‘missed calling’ of young Samuel could be attributed to the lack of knowing Scripture and its application

1 Samuel 3:1 NIV

[1] The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions.

Amos 8:11-12 NIV

[11] “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land---not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord. [12] People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the Lord, but they will not find it.

• This lack of God’s Word leads to lawless rebellion

• In contrast, we learn of the joy and glory possible from a lawful society  <M130>

Exodus 32:25 NIV

[25] Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies.

Proverbs 28:14 NIV

[14] Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

** There are over 800 signs or prophecies concerning the second return of Christ, most of which would not have a ‘place in the grand scheme’ if Israel was not a nation and Jerusalem its capital  <H87>

Amos 9:14-15 NIV

[14] and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. [15] I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.

** Song of Songs can be read as a love letter between Christ & His bride; God desired that this book be included in His Word to express the beautiful love He has for us and we should have for Him

Solomon wrote over 3000 proverbs and over 1000 songs; God deemed it necessary to include this Song of Solomon in Scripture to describe the love we can have for God and He has for us

Likewise, the communion table is a reminder to us how Christ loved us and sacrificed for us; it helps His followers get some ‘alone time’ with Jesus to draw us closer to Him

** Everyone will recognize that God is protecting Jerusalem and conquering her enemies in the last days!

Zechariah 12:4-5 NIV

[4] On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness,” declares the Lord. “I will keep a watchful eye over Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations. [5] Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, 'The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the Lord Almighty is their God.'

** God placed the stars in place to serve as His signs to us

• Satan has co-opted these signs into a system call astrology to get man to follow his ways instead

• We are to worship the Creator and marvel at His works — looking for God’s story in the heavens — not worship the creation

Genesis 1:14 NIV

[14] And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years,

Job 9:7-9 NIV

[7] He speaks to the sun and it does not shine; he seals off the light of the stars. [8] He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. [9] He is the Maker of the Bear and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.

** The 8th vision of Zechariah was to confirm to the Jews that, even though they were weak they remained strong when relying on God, thus encouraging them in their faith and dependence on God  

Zechariah 6:1,5 NIV

[1] I looked up again, and there before me were four chariots coming out from between two mountains---mountains of bronze. [5] The angel answered me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.

** Israel’s enemy Damascus, in particular, will be devastated with the judgment prophesied by Zechariah in a way that all eyes will see that God is all-powerful; this prophesy is similar to what was prophesied by other prophets, like Isaiah

Zechariah 9:1 NIV

[1] A prophecy: The word of the Lord is against the land of Hadrak and will come to rest on Damascus---for the eyes of all people and all the tribes of Israel are on the Lord---

Isaiah 17:1,3,7 NIV

[1] A prophecy against Damascus: “See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins. [3] The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and royal power from Damascus; the remnant of Aram will be like the glory of the Israelites,” declares the Lord Almighty. [7] In that day people will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.

** Let me not worry — the birds and lilies teach me better. God spreads a table for the sparrows, and clothes the wayside anemones with their exquisite beauty. And I am dearer to Him by far. I — who am made in His image, and for whom His Son died, and whom He means to dwell with Him in His Heaven — occupy a larger place in His heart of hearts.

Let me not worry — it serves no good purpose to fret and worry. I cannot, with all my solicitude, add a cubit either to my stature or to my age. Anxiousness will only plunge me into mental distress and annoyance and sorrow, without bringing me any compensating advantage whatever. It knows how to wound; but ah! it does not know how to heal.

Let me not worry — a child should have more confidence in his Father's wisdom and watchfulness and love. It may be excusable for worldly men and women to worry, but not a son in the royal and wealthy family of the King of kings! There is no justification for him if he goes worried and burdened during the day and lies down to hours of sleeplessness at night.  <S182>

Matthew 6:26,31-32 NIV

[26] Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? [31] So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

** Much is said about these stony-ground hearers of the Word which is attractive and hopeful.

Mark 4:5-6 NIV

[5] Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. [6] But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root.

So what was the problem? Ah! the heart was wrong, and therefore everything was wrong!

1. The heart was UNBROKEN. The rock had never been penetrated at all, and the seed died soon on its hard and impervious surface.

I wonder whether the stubbornness and the stolidity of my heart have been shattered. Have I been melted…

• into practical concern of soul

• into the sense of spiritual neediness

• into godly sorrow

• into contrite prayer

There can be no new birth and no vital growth, until then!

2. And the heart was SHALLOW and superficial. It had no depth. Immediately beneath the thin layer of top-soil, was that rebellious and intractable adamant; the seed had not a sufficient resting-place and home.

This is the fatal fault of many. They do not stop to think about unseen, eternal, heavenly things. They do not take time to consider their own miserable state of soul, and the grace of Jesus Christ. They nod, and glance, and bustle by.

3. And the heart was DRY. It had none of the moistening, subduing, fructifying influences of the Holy Spirit. If the showers descend upon the rocky soil, there is no loam to retain them and to derive a benefit from them.

Just so, does everything depend on the Spirit's presence and work within me! Apart from His dews and gentle rains, I am helpless, hopeless, dead, damned. For until Almighty God renews me, until His waters quench and enliven my parched and thirsty being, until I receive the outpouring of the grace of God — I have no spiritual life.  <S182>

Ezekiel 36:26 NIV

[26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

** Paul was a 50+ year old who walked 4800 km on his missionary journeys, which included:

• Athens - intellectual capital

• Ephesus - center of emperor worship

• Corinth - commercial capital and center of immorality

• The morally depraved Corinthians were not into discussion and debate as those in Athens

• The churches and struggles they faced in Corinth weighed heavily on Paul and thus became a desired destination for him

Acts 18:1 NIV

[1] After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 NIV

[1] It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father's wife. [2] And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?

** God continues to allow blessing (or plenty) as well as adversity (or want) so we know that nothing is guaranteed; in both situations our dependency needs to remain on the Lord alone so He can direct our ways  <F60>

Haggai 1:9-11 NIV

[9] “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. [10] Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. [11] I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands.”

An example of God blessing His people and holding back the Devourer can be found in the book of Malachi; God challenges them to test Him in this

Malachi 3:10-12 NIV

[10] Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. [11] I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe, ” says the Lord Almighty. [12] “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

** God removed His blessings when the people neglected Him which, in turn, motivated them to change their ways and build the Lord’s house to honor Him

Haggai 1:9-11 NIV

[9] “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house. [10] Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. [11] I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the olive oil and everything else the ground produces, on people and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands. ”

Haggai 1:14 NIV

[14] So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God

** God deserves praise from everything that has breath for His surpassing glory!

Psalm 150:1-2,6 NIV

[1] Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. [2] Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. [6] Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

** Praise ye the Lord! is the suitable end of the book of Psalms inspired by the Spirit of God

We learn that the book of Psalms was a:

• Work of praise

• Book that has supplied the songs of the church for more than 3000 years

• Book that is quoted more frequently by Christ and His apostles

• Book which presents the loftiest ideas of God and His government

• Book fitted to every state of human life

• Book that sets forth every religious experience and

• Book that bears simple and clear marks of its Divine origin  <H83>

Psalm 150:6 NIV

[6] Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

** Israel is “God’s nation” set aside to show the remaining nations the character of God as He works through them

Psalm 147:19-20 NIV

[19] He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. [20] He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the Lord.

** The Lord is good and a refuge in times of trouble but there is no question He is also one who takes vengeance against His enemies, those who plot against Him

Nahum 1:7-8 NIV

[7] The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him, [8] but with an overwhelming flood he will make an end of Nineveh; he will pursue his foes into the realm of darkness.

Nahum 1:2-3 NIV

[2] The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies. [3] The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.

Nahum 1:9-10 NIV

[9] Whatever they plot against the Lord he will bring to an end; trouble will not come a second time. [10] They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble.

** It is natural to speak of God working in our lives so generations after us will also know and experience His great power and love

Psalm 145:4-7 NIV

[4] One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. [5] They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty---and I will meditate on your wonderful works. [6] They tell of the power of your awesome works---and I will proclaim your great deeds. [7] They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 145:10-13a NIV

[10] All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. [11] They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, [12] so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. [13] Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.

Psalm 145:1,21 NIV

[1] I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. [21] My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

** The Savior had been praying, and it is evident now that His prayer was not in vain: "Father, forgive them!" He had entreated God for the very Roman centurion who had nailed Him to His tree of shame, and then had sat down and barbarously gambled for His clothes.  <S182>

Jesus’ prayer was answered for the centurion that nailed Him to the cross, recognized Jesus as the Son of God in the end!

Luke 23:34 NIV

[34] Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Mark 15:39 NIV

[39] And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”

** Paul and Silas approached the crowds on their missionary journeys by bringing the Word to the people via 4 ways; they…

1. Reasoned via discussion; q&a about the faith

2. Explained to understand better about sin, disobedience and God’s Word

3. Proved Jesus is the Christ by giving evidence from the Old Testament; using modern terms not Christianese (1Cor 15:1-7)

4. Proclaimed the whole story of Jesus; we are to “teach everything” (Mark 18:20)

Acts 17:2-3 NIV

[2] As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, [3] explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said.

** The afflictions of the wicked are punishments from God, as an angry Judge. But the afflictions of the godly are chastisements from God, as a gracious Father!

The afflictions of the wicked, moreover, are preludes to their future misery. But the corrections of the godly are preparations for their future glory!  <S181>

Psalm 119:67,71 NIV

[67] Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. [71] It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

** Every one of the 100+ prophecies in the Bible needed to usher in the Pre-Trib rapture are happening today; their fulfillment will be IN the Seven Year Tribulation!  <F60> (May 2022)

1. Hyperinflation and world-wide famine (Rev 6:5-8, Luke 21:11)

Revelation 6:5-8 NIV

[5] When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. [6] Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day's wages, and six pounds of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” [7] When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” [8] I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.

Luke 21:11 NIV

[11] There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

2. Global economy and bio-digital mark without which no one can buy or sell (Rev 13:15-18)

Revelation 13:15-18 NIV

[15] The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. [16] It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, [17] so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name. [18] This calls for wisdom. Let the person who has insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. That number is 666.

3. The world’s intoxicating obsession with the dividing of Jerusalem (Zech 12:1-3)

Zechariah 12:1-3 NIV

[1] A prophecy: The word of the Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person, declares: [2] “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. [3] On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.

4. An Insatiable quest for “peace and security” (1Thess 5:3)

1 Thessalonians 5:3 NIV

[3] While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

5. Striving for and enforcing of a 7 year peace agreement with Israel & other nations (Dan 9:27)

Daniel 9:27 NIV

[27] He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. ”

6. The Jews will have a rebuilt temple that the Antichrist will defile (2Thess 2:4, Dan 9:27)

- we hear they have already started building the temple today

2 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV

[4] He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God.

Daniel 9:27 NIV

[27] He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. ”

7. An alliance of nations will invade Israel whom God prospers abundantly (Ezek 38)

Ezekiel 38:14-16 NIV

[14] “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: In that day, when my people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice of it? [15] You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army. [16] You will advance against my people Israel like a cloud that covers the land. In days to come, Gog, I will bring you against my land, so that the nations may know me when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.

8. Damascus Syria will be destroyed and uninhabitable (Isa 17:1, Jer 49:23-27)

- all nations for Ezek 38 war are in Damascus today

Isaiah 17:1 NIV

[1] A prophecy against Damascus: “See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.

Jeremiah 49:23-27 NIV

[23] Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are dismayed, for they have heard bad news. They are disheartened, troubled like the restless sea. [24] Damascus has become feeble, she has turned to flee and panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her, pain like that of a woman in labor. [25] Why has the city of renown not been abandoned, the town in which I delight? [26] Surely, her young men will fall in the streets; all her soldiers will be silenced in that day,” declares the Lord Almighty. [27] “I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will consume the fortresses of Ben-Hadad. ”

9. Great earthquakes would increase in frequency and intensity

- earth’s natural activity is ‘off the chart’ today since recording (Matt 24:4-8)

10. Wars and threats of wars with racial uprisings will increase in frequency and intensity (Matt 24:4-8)

Matthew 24:4-8 NIV

[4] Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. [6] You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. [7] Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are the beginning of birth pains.

11. Signs in the sun-moon-stars distressing nations perplexed by the sea roaring waves (Luk 21:25)

- waves are referring to tsunamis caused by earthquakes  

Luke 21:25 NIV

[25] “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.

12. False teachers and false prophets will abound deceiving the masses (2Pet 2:1-3)

- similar to Jeremiah’s day when false teachers declared “peace” which is what the people wanted to hear

2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV

[1] But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them---bringing swift destruction on themselves. [2] Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. [3] In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

13. Increasing mocking and ridiculing of Christians believing in Christ’s return, not just the rapture (2Per 3:3-7)

2 Peter 3:3-7 NIV

[3] Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. [4] They will say, “Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” [5] But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. [6] By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. [7] By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

14. People won’t tolerate sound doctrine (2Tim 4:3-5)

- they gravitate to what they want to hear

- false teachers say everything’s ok even though everything is falling apart around them

2 Timothy 4:3-5 NIV

[3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

15. Perilous (horrible) times will come and people will be violent treacherous lovers of self (2Tim 3:1-5 where 19 qualities are listed)

2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV

[1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--- [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

16. Some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving doctrines of demons (1Tim 4:1)

- like Satan’s doctrine of deception perpetrated by NAR’s seven mountain mandate that Christians are to take control of the earth to usher in Christ’s return

- fits in with the aim of building a kingdom on earth

- the Titanic is sinking… don’t try to save it!

1 Timothy 4:1 NIV

[1] The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

17. God will send a powerful delusion to those perishing that they should believe the lie (2Thess 2:10-11)

- these are people who already made the choice of rejecting The Truth

- so God gives them over to their desires

2 Thessalonians 2:10-11 NIV

[10] and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. [11] For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie

18. All the nations on earth will be deceived by ‘sorcery’ (Rev 18:23)

- the light will not shine in men in all nations because of the sorcery

- ugly festering sores will break out on those who have the mark of the beast (Rev 16:1-2)

- sorcery means pharmaceutical

- can we think of a recent Big Pharma ‘solution’ to a global crisis that is known to alter DNA?

- distraction is always wrapped around deception and we have a lot of distractions these days!

Revelation 18:23 NIV

[23] The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world's important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.

Revelation 16:1-2 NIV

[1] Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God's wrath on the earth.” [2] The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.

** Romans 11:25 says that when the “fullness of the Gentiles” (a term for the Rapture) has come in, then Israel’s blindness will be removed. What is the number of this fullness? No human knows, but the number is huge. Consider that the world’s population is currently at approximately 7.8 billion people. It is estimated that there are 2.5 billion Christians in the world. That is 32-33% of the population. I personally believe this percentage is greatly exaggerated as many of these so-called “Christians” are Christians in name only.

Let’s be a little more realistic in our estimation and drop the percentage by 13% (number for rebellion and apostasy). That would place the percentage at 19-20% of the world population or approximately 1,530,000,000. If you break it down, it looks like this: 153 x 10 to the 7th power (seven 0’s- zeros). Peter just thought he made a great catch of 3000! It is minuscule when you look at Jesus’ (and the Holy Spirit) catch. If you believe this number of Christians to be raptured is still too high, you need to remember that all the young babies/children and those who don’t have the mental capacity to make a qualified decision for Christ will also be included in the Rapture.

This great number of souls only accounts for the living believers being taken up but doesn’t take into consideration the dead souls/spirits in Christ (coming down from heaven). They will be resurrected with a new heavenly body and will meet the living believers (who are translated also) in the air where Jesus will be. The dead in Christ consist of all those believers who have died since Sivan 7/May 22, AD 33 (proleptic Gregorian calendar) on the day of Pentecost, and up to the moment of the Rapture.

The living and dead in Christ, who will meet the Lord in the air at the Rapture, will be an astronomical multitude of souls. They will come from every nation, race, color, age, Christian denomination, and ethnicity. This multitude will include males and females, rich and poor, young and old, free and slaves from every age (1st century to 21st century) and background you can imagine. The one thing every one of them has in common is: “they obeyed the Lord their God and believed in the One He sent.” All of the redeemed will have new spiritual bodies made for eternity. Jesus Christ will then take his betrothed bride, the Church, to their new home in heaven, the New Jerusalem, and we will be with the Lord forever.  <N154>

Romans 11:25 NIV

[25] I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in

** We, in this dark and sinful world, know little of the heavenly world of light but we know there is above us a world of blessed angels; they are always praising God and the psalmist shows his desire that God be praised in the best manner  <H83>

Psalm 148:1-6a NIV

[1] Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. [2] Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. [3] Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. [4] Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. [5] Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created, [6] and he established them for ever and ever

** The angels call on us on earth, that both by word and deed, we glorify with them the Creator and Redeemer of the universe!  <H83>

Psalm 148:7-12 NIV

[7] Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, [8] lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, [9] you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, [10] wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, [11] kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, [12] young men and women, old men and children.

Psalm 148:13-14 NIV

[13] Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. [14] And he has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his faithful servants, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the Lord.

** Who is it that will come one day, and whom every eye shall see? The Lord Jesus, the Savior of sinners; the Judge of all men! Every eye shall see Him. My eye shall see Him too! Will it be with fear and terror that I shall behold the King of kings coming to judgment? Or will my gaze be that of admiration and love for my adorable Redeemer?

All Christians rejoice in the expectation of His second coming, when faith shall be turned to sight. How can we fear the realization of our fondest hopes, the accomplishment of our best desires? The more we look to Jesus now, by faith — the less shall we fear death and judgment. For how, indeed, can we fear to meet our best and dearest Friend?

Paul assures us that there is a crown which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give at His coming to all who love His appearing. Let us not shrink, then, from meditation on the glorious coming of Christ, but rather look for and expect it as the end of all our sins, sufferings and trials — and the beginning of perfect and eternal happiness!

Let us ask ourselves, "Are we willing this very night to leave all on earth, and go to Jesus?" If we could really see Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and saying to us this very night, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world!"  I am quite sure that nothing on earth could detain us!  <S191>

Revelation 1:7 NIV

[7] “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.

Revelation 22:20 NIV

[20] He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

John 17:24a NIV

[24] “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory…”

** The Bible is clear: Jesus tells us in advance what is expected. Therefore, we should not be alarmed. All we are seeing in the world today should confirm clearly to us that God’s Word is 100% true. As we see all these things coming together, it should stir us to get our houses in order, pray for the lost, and share the gospel while we still can.  <S1995>

Psalm 27:1 NIV

[1] The Lord is my light and my salvation---whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life---of whom shall I be afraid?

Romans 5:2b-5 NIV

[2] And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

[6] Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

** God used prophets in the past to convey His message of salvation and hope, but today ‘Jesus’ is the ultimate message from God  <C31>

Jonah 3:1-5,10 NIV

[1] Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: [2] “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.” [3] Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. [4] Jonah began by going a day's journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” [5] The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. [10] When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV

[1] In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. [3] The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

** God valued every person and reached out to  the Ninevites regardless of how corrupt and brutal they had become

• This does not mean God forgives those who do not believe in Him nor ask forgiveness of sin, but He still values them!

• Nineveh was a large Assyrian city threatening Israel; forgiving them was not in Jonah’s vocabulary

• Sin does not keep God from loving us and nothing can stop God from getting to us, for He reaches out to everyone  <C31>

Jonah 3:1-2 NIV

[1] Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: [2] “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

Psalm 139:13-16 NIV

[13] For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. [14] I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. [15] My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. [16] Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

** People are searching for something greater, outside themselves, because we are all part of God's creation; at the very heart of God's creation is a longing to connect with Him

• At the same time, Satan works hard to blind people from seeing God and people are searching in the wrong place

• It is our responsibility to direct them to God

• Ultimately, we have the choice where we go because God does not force  <C31>

** What a treasure is the Word of God! Here we have:

• Light, to dissipate our darkness

• Truth, to guide us amid the mazes of error

• Consolations, to gladden us in a world of misery

The Bible is the:

• Revelation of our Father's love

• Expression of Jehovah's grace to sinners

• Depository of heavenly blessings

• Charter of our highest privileges

• Religion of true Christians

• Glory of our churches

• Poor man's Friend

Everything sublime in conception and tender in expression is to be found in the sacred Scriptures.  The Eternal Jehovah has there revealed Himself as:

• Clothed with majesty and honor

• Glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders

• Of purer eyes than to behold iniquity

• In whose sight the heavens are not clean

In the sacred Scriptures, He has manifested His glory — as mighty to save, forgiving iniquity transgression and sin. In that blessed volume, Mercy is seen to arrest the arm of Justice and all the tenderness of the Father is displayed in the person of the adorable Son.  <R175>

Love breathes through its sacred pages!

Psalm 1:1-2 NIV

[1] Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, [2] but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

Psalm 119:97 NIV

[97] Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

[16] When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.

** As Christians in these end days, we are called to ‘occupy’ until Jesus returns. Sure, our ultimate hope is in the return of Christ but we are still to live and operate in our world.

Being part of the Restraining Force against evil involves pushing back (even politically) against what Satan is trying to push on us, as well as leading others to Christ and making sure non-believers understand the tenants of salvation along with the reason for our actions.

To those who say Christians should not get involved and simply obey the government at all times in order to ‘be a good witness’, we need to be encouraged by the multitude of God’s people in His Word who bucked the system and paid a price:

• Daniel (thrown into the lion’s den)

• Moses (standing before Pharaoh)

• Paul (imprisoned)

• Ruth (risking life)

• prophets (ridiculed)

• Christ (who stood before Pilate)

• disciples (many killed), etc

Therefore, being a good disciple in these days involves BOTH pushing back and helping lead others to Christ; one typically involves or spurs the other!

Acts 5:41-42 NIV

[41] The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. [42] Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Romans 5:1-5 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 8:17-18 NIV

[17] Now if we are children, then we are heirs---heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. [18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Philippians 1:29 NIV

[29] For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him

Psalm 116:15 NIV

[15] Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

2 Timothy 1:8 NIV

[8] So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

1 Peter 2:20-21 NIV

[20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

** They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice." (Psa 94:7) Nothing more derogatory to the character of God can possibly be said, than that He does not rule the world.

To deny God's providence is as atheistic as to deny His existence! A god, who neither sees, nor hears, nor knows, nor cares, nor helps, nor saves — is a vanity, and can never claim homage from intelligent men. Such a god should be derided, not worshiped! He might suit the mythology of Paganism, or meet the demands of an infidel heart but could never command the allegiance, or win the confidence of an enlightened and pious man!

The world may as well be without a god, as have one who is incompetent to rule it, or, who, wrapping Himself in a mantle of careless indifference, abandons creation to the governance of puny mortals, to the rule of devils, or to the sway of blind chance! Such conduct may well comport with the character of false gods but is wholly abhorrent to the nature of Jehovah! God's tender mercies are over all His works. His kingdom rules over all!  <P166>

How comforting to know that our loving God is ruler over all!  No corrupt leader or plan of man can outwit God, otherwise we would remain at the mercy of sinful man. On the contrary, we can rest knowing that Perfect Justice awaits all mankind in the end of days and we will never again be subject to sinful man!

Psalm 135:5-6 NIV

[5] I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. [6] The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

Psalm 115:1-3 NIV

[1] Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. [2] Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” [3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Revelation 19:6-7 NIV

[6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

** Jonah thought God was ending his life when a fish swallowed him, but later realized the fish was sent to rescue him!

After realizing he had been saved by God, Jonah promised to worship Him from the heart, for he had a future again

Question: had Jonah come to faith at that point and had gone through religious motions beforehand?

• Jonah realized he needed to be right with God in order to live his life for God

• Our lesson is to focus on maintaining a right relationship with Christ so we can be used by Him and good results can flow to others

• This should motivate us to maintain a good relationship with God and live a life of doing good works that is holy and pleasing to Him  <C31>

Jonah 2:9-10 NIV

[9] But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’ ” [10] And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

** Jonah deserved justice from disobedience yet received God's MERCY; even throwing Jonah overboard was a death sentence (so Jonah and sailors thought) but God extended mercy

• Mercy = don't receive what we deserve

• Grace = receive what we don't deserve

Jonah 1:14-16 NIV

[14] Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” [15] Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. [16] At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him.

Jonah 1:17 NIV

[17] Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

** In the Garden of Eden, man was commanded not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Aside from being told to be fruitful and multiply, and to take dominion of the earth…this was the only ‘thou shalt not’ commandment given from God. They lived in innocence and tended to the Garden until the day they broke the one commandment they were instructed not to do. Adam and Eve ate from the tree allowing sin to enter the human race and they were cast out of that perfect Garden. Thus, mankind entered a new season in which they would live their lives, ruled by their newfound conscience of knowing good and evil.

From then until the Flood, there were roughly 1,560 years that man did what was right in his own eyes. There was no Law, no Bible, no governing authority by which man could live in peace with his fellow man and His maker. It quickly became a time of lawlessness, in which even the fallen angels had crossed over into forbidden territory by mating with human women.

By the time Noah was to build the Ark, mankind had sunk to unimaginable depths of depravity. In fact, it was so bad, that God had to destroy mankind (save eight persons) with the Flood in order for mankind to survive. This global cataclysm brought the age in which man would rule by his conscious to an abrupt and violent end. At the end of it, God covenanted with Noah (Noahic Covenant) that innocent blood would no longer be shed without consequence. And with the creation of capital punishment instituted, the framework for man to rule over other men began the age of human government.

The age of promise was in the calling of Abraham from the land Ur of the Chaldees to the Promised Land which his descendants would inherit forever. Abraham was the first person to be called a Hebrew in the Scriptures, thus we can conclude that prior to that, there were only Gentiles. Now, there were two races of people; Jews and Gentiles. God foretold Abraham as he slept, that the Hebrews would be enslaved for 400 years before they could inherit the land. This time was necessary to give the current inhabitants (the Amorites) time to repent (which they didn’t). God would then use the Israelites to become their judgment, cleansing the land of their impurity. During this time, Abraham’s faithfulness to sacrifice his only begotten son would foreshadow the way in which God would provide a path to redemption some 2,000 years later.

Moses led the Israelites out of bondage and into the wilderness, in which he received the Law from God…thus beginning the age of the Law. This age went on for roughly 1,500 years before finding fulfillment in the first coming of their Messiah, Jesus Christ. As was prophesied, He was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver and crucified on a Cross on behalf of the sins of the world.

Before He died, Jesus stated that He would create a body of people known as the Church (Matt 16:17-19), who would continue on until He personally came and took them back to be where He was (John 14:1-3). Just as sin entered the world through the first Adam, redemption would enter the world through the last Adam, who is Christ our Lord.

Eve was taken and created from Adam's side, so too would the Bride of Christ be taken from the side of Christ. When a woman is about to give birth, her water will break in which blood and water pour forth. On the cross, when His side was pierced, blood and water poured out symbolizing the coming birth of the Church all made possible through His death. Our giving of the Holy Spirit was at Pentecost as mentioned in Acts 2. From there, almost 2,000 years have transpired, to which, we have seen the Church go through the seven stages (Rev 2-3). To recap: The rough numbers according to genealogies and history:  <G70>

• From Creation until Abraham, was 2,000 years [Innocence, Conscience, and Human Government]

• From Abraham until Jesus Christ, was 2,000 years [Promise, Law]

• From Jesus Christ, until today, was 2,000 years [Church, Tribulation (final last 7 years of the Law)]

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

[1] There is a time for everything,

 and a season for every activity under the heavens

** Malachi was the last prophet God used to speak to Israel; after Malachi, there was a 400 year silence from God until John the Baptist spoke a message of repentance and announced the Messiah in the New Testament

Malachi 1:1 NIV

[1] A prophecy: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.

Amos 8:11 NIV

[11] “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign Lord, “when I will send a famine through the land---not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.

Matthew 1:22-23 NIV

[22] All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: [23] “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Matthew 3:1-3 NIV

[1] In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea [2] and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” [3] This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.' ”

** God utters strong language against religious activity solely based on ritual, where people ‘act out’ their religion but their heart is not tuned to God

Amos 5:21-23 NIV

[21] “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. [22] Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. [23] Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.

** God is in control of every aspect of our existence, including the weather!

Amos 4:7,13 NIV

[7] “I also withheld rain from you when the harvest was still three months away. I sent rain on one town, but withheld it from another. One field had rain; another had none and dried up. [13] He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth---the Lord God Almighty is his name.

Matthew 8:24-26 NIV

[24] Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. [25] The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We're going to drown!” [26] He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

** God has to protect the perfection of Heaven and that is why WE need to be absolved from our sin in order to be with Him eternally

• This is why God cast 1/3 of the angels from heaven at creation

• This is also why He chose to send His Son to die on the cross to pave the way for us; as sinners, we would have no hope if we could not accept God’s offer of salvation

• How incredibly loving on His part and humbling on ours for the sinless God to take our punishment

• As if we are in court ready to be sentenced, God comes in to accept the sentence so we can walk free!  Unbelievable!

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

[24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

2 Corinthians 6:2 NIV

[2] For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

Titus 2:11 NIV

[11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV

[9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 19:1 NIV

[1] After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

 “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God

** Joel’s prophetic events would come to pass exactly as told, so generations would talk about it in the future; it was also the responsibility of elders to tell the younger generations how God interacted with His creation

Joel 1:3 NIV

[3] Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.

** God promised to gather the Jewish people in Israel in the end times and they would never be forced to leave again; most likely Jewish non-believers will be prompted to move to Israel due to worldwide anti-Semitism and instabilities

Amos 9:14-15 NIV

[14] and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. [15] I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.

** David knew what it meant to personally confront evil and war against it on a constant basis

• As one deemed righteous, David knew that God was his only ‘rescue’ from evil doers and their plans

• Increasingly believers in Christ are expected to do the same as the world gets crazier and war comes to our door

• If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 140:1-2,4 NIV

[1] Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, [2] who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day. [4] Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.

Psalm 140:13 NIV

[13] Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.

Romans 8:31 NIV

[31] What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

** God prompts us to do what is best and right when He hems us in, confronting us with His wisdom as we face the inevitable; like a city under siege, hemmed inside and protected, even though we are being attacked from all sides, we need His help in order to do what is best and right

Psalm 139:1-5 NIV

[1] You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. [2] You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. [3] You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. [4] Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. [5] You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

** We are called to praise Jehovah for His own essential attributes  <C34>

• Exert the attributes in His works

• God is above all gods

• He is not only good but displays His power through the creation of the heavens and earth!

Psalm 136:2,5-9 NIV

[2] Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever. [5] who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever. [6] who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever. [7] who made the great lights---His love endures forever. [8] the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever. [9] the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.

** God involves Himself in His creation

Psalm 136:11,16-17,23-24 NIV

[11] and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever. [16] to him who led his people through the wilderness; His love endures forever. [17] to him who struck down great kings, His love endures forever. [23] He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever. [24] and freed us from our enemies. His love endures forever.

** God may, if He wills, save the entire human race; or if it pleases Him, He may save none. If He so wills, He may make one man a monument of mercy and leave his neighbor to reap his due punishment. This is what God has a right to do and He claims His sovereign prerogative.

No doctrine in the whole Word of God has more excited the hatred of mankind than the truth of the absolute sovereignty of God!

Men have no objection to a god who is really no God. I mean, by this a god:

• Who shall be the subject of their caprice

• Who shall be a lackey to their will

• Who shall be under their control —

they have no objection to such a being as that.

But a God who speaks and it is done, a God;

• Who commands, and it stands fast;

• Who does as He wills among the armies of heaven and among the inhabitants of this lower world —

such a God as this they cannot endure  <S195>

Romans 9:13-16 NIV

[13] Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” [14] What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! [15] For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” [16] It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy.

Psalm 115:3 NIV

[3] Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Psalm 135:5-6 NIV

[5] I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. [6] The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.

** God asks His people where the kings and rulers are that they wanted?  They are not around to protect them!

Hosea 13:10-11 NIV

[10] Where is your king, that he may save you? Where are your rulers in all your towns, of whom you said, 'Give me a king and princes'? [11] So in my anger I gave you a king, and in my wrath I took him away.

Hosea 13:14-15 NIV

[14] “I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction? “I will have no compassion, [15] even though he thrives among his brothers. An east wind from the Lord will come, blowing in from the desert; his spring will fail and his well dry up. His storehouse will be plundered of all its treasures.

Hosea 14:3 NIV

[3] Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount warhorses. We will never again say 'Our gods' to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion.”

** God tells Hosea to marry a prostitute who has unfaithful children (children not from Hosea) to describe what Israel had done to Him; Israel had prostituted itself with foreign gods

Instructing Hosea to marry Gomer was a good allegorical image — a husband with unmerited goodness and unwearied patience in contrast to his perverse ungrateful wife — just as God had  been with unfaithful Israel  <H83>

The children of harlotry points to the future unfaithfulness of Israelite generations  <M130>

Hosea 1:2 NIV

[2] When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.”

** God is the one who blesses us and He reminded Hosea’s wife by removing the blessings

Hosea 2:10-13 NIV

[10] So now I will expose her lewdness before the eyes of her lovers; no one will take her out of my hands. [11] I will stop all her celebrations: her yearly festivals, her New Moons, her Sabbath days---all her appointed festivals. [12] I will ruin her vines and her fig trees, which she said were her pay from her lovers; I will make them a thicket, and wild animals will devour them. [13] I will punish her for the days she burned incense to the Baals; she decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but me she forgot, ” declares the Lord.

** Hosea’s wife (Israel) needed to repent or suffer God’s wrath

Hosea 2:2 NIV

[2] “Rebuke your mother, rebuke her, for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband. Let her remove the adulterous look from her face and the unfaithfulness from between her breasts.

** God made her (Israel) path difficult so she would realize her need to go back to her first love

Hosea 2:6-7 NIV

[6] Therefore I will block her path with thornbushes; I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way. [7] She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them. Then she will say, 'I will go back to my husband as at first, for then I was better off than now.'

** A beautiful visual of the steadfast reliability of the Lord, our Anchor with whom we can go to at all times

“Like the bastions of everlasting hills surrounding Zion that cannot be moved, are they whose trust is in the Lord”  <C38>

Psalm 125:1-2 NIV

[1] Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. [2] As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.

** God allows us to undergo difficulty so we recognize His deliverance; besides applying this to any particular deliverance, we should have in our thoughts the great work of redemption by Jesus Christ by which believers were rescued from Satan  <H83>

Psalm 124:1-5 NIV

[1] If the Lord had not been on our side---let Israel say--- [2] if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us, [3] they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; [4] the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, [5] the raging waters would have swept us away.

** God leaves room for people to repent and acknowledge Him as 'sovereign over all', as indicated in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream

• Nebuchadnezzar decided to glory in his own accomplishments so God immediately humbled him

• As punishment for his pride, Nebuchadnezzar would dwell with the beasts of the field and eat grass like oxen until he knew that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses  <D497>

• Nebuchadnezzar later repented after his suffering and was restored to his throne

Daniel 4:24-26 NIV

[24] “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: [25] You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. [26] The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.

Daniel 4:29-31 NIV

[29] Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, [30] he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” [31] Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.

Daniel 4:34-37 NIV

[34] At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. [35] All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” [36] At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. [37] Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

** Why bother studying Bible prophecy?  <T203>

• Because as true believers in Christ we are to look up where our Redemption lives and our future is known

• As we eagerly await His appearance in the end times, we must keep our eyes on Him

Philippians 3:14 NIV

[14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 121:1 NIV

[1] I lift up my eyes to the mountains---where does my help come from?

Isaiah 40:26 NIV

[26] Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Daniel 4:34 NIV

[34] At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.

John 11:41 NIV

[41] So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

** May Israel say — the danger was so great, their helplessness so manifest, and the deliverance was so clearly the work of God, that it was proper to say that if this had not occurred, ruin would have been inevitable and entire  <C33>

Psalm 124:6-8 NIV

[6] Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. [7] We have escaped like a bird from the fowler's snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. [8] Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

** I am bound to speak well of my Physician; He treats me with great tenderness, and bids me in due time to expect a perfect cure. I know too much of Him (though I know but little) to doubt either His skill or His promise.

Though His medicines are all beneficial, they are not all pleasant. Now and then He gives me a pleasant cordial; but I have many severe disorders, in which there is a needs-be for my frequently taking His bitter and unpalatable medicines!

We sometimes see published in the newspapers, acknowledgments of cures received. If I were to publish my own case, that it would run something like this:

"I, John Newton, have long labored under a multitude of grievous disorders:

• a fever of ungoverned passions,

• a cancer of pride,

• a frenzy of wild imaginations,

• a severe lethargy, and

• a deadly stroke!

In this deplorable situation, I suffered many things from many physicians, spent every penny I had — yet only grew worse and worse!

In this condition, Jesus, the Physician of souls, found me when I sought Him not. He undertook my recovery freely, without money and without price — these are His terms with all His patients! My fever is now abated, my senses are restored, my faculties are enlivened! In a word, I am a new man! And from His ability, His promise, and the experience of what He has already done, I have the fullest assurance that He will infallibly and perfectly heal me; and that I shall live forever as a monument of His power and grace!"  <N150>

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

[24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”

** God’s story is one based in history, and that’s why the Bible is chalked full of details — like identifying when a king reigned at the time of a Biblical event  <J107>

In essence, God’s reputation is ‘on the line’ so when people see how God worked in the temporary Scriptural past, they need to ask where they fit into how God is going to work in the eternal future  <G77>

** For nearly 2,000 years, mankind originally consisted of just Gentiles, from Adam to Abraham. With Abraham began the Jewish nation of Israel. Then there were two groups of people: Gentiles and Jews. At Pentecost, nearly 2,000 years from Abraham, another group of people was introduced by God called the Church. Now we have three groups of people: Gentiles, Jews, and the Church.

The Church is composed of anyone who will put their faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to God the Father, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. At first, the Church consisted of all Jews who came to Christ, and then Gentiles also came to Him to be saved. Today, most all who are of the Church are Gentiles, but all may be saved, Jews and Gentiles, if they believe upon the name of Jesus.

God initiated the Gentiles through Adam via creation. He initiated the Jewish nation with a promise to Abraham, and then finally He initiated the third group, the Church, with a fulfillment in Jesus Christ: His death, burial and resurrection.

Since Israel (the Jews) rejected their Messiah, God temporarily put them, as a nation, on the backburner (Romans 11:7-12) and is now calling out the Gentiles to come to Him through the same Messiah that Israel rejected. When the number of Gentiles in His Church is complete, He will remove the Church at the Rapture and return to His dealings with Israel during the Tribulation (Romans 11:26-32).  <P160>

Romans 11:25 NIV

[25] I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in

** The name of the city is YHWH which means “The Lord is there”; the departed glory of God (Ezek 8-11) has returned and His dwelling will be the Temple at the center of the district given over to the Lord

Ezekiel 44:1-2 NIV

[1] Then the man brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, the one facing east, and it was shut. [2] The Lord said to me, “This gate is to remain shut. It must not be opened; no one may enter through it. It is to remain shut because the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered through it.

Thus fulfills the unconditional promises that God made to Israel in the:

• Abrahamic Covenant (Gen 11)

• Levitical Covenant (Num 25)

• Davidic Covenant (2 Sam 7), and

• New Covenant (Jer 31)

The final verse provides the consummation of Israel’s history — the returned presence of God!  <M130>

Ezekiel 48:35 NIV

[35] “The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits. “And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there. ”

** The land of Israel is God’s inheritance to His people for all generations

• God will bless the nation and those who live in it when they obey and respect His commands

• But God will curse those who do harm to His inheritance; the word 'curse' is equivalent to the phrase 'to think little of'  <S187>

Ezekiel 46:18 NIV

[18] The prince must not take any of the inheritance of the people, driving them off their property. He is to give his sons their inheritance out of his own property, so that not one of my people will be separated from their property.' ”

Ezekiel 47:13-14 NIV

[13] This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “These are the boundaries of the land that you will divide among the twelve tribes of Israel as their inheritance, with two portions for Joseph. [14] You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with uplifted hand to give it to your ancestors, this land will become your inheritance.

Deuteronomy 11:13-15 NIV

[13] So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today---to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul--- [14] then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. [15] I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.

Genesis 12:2-3 NIV

[2] “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. ”

Psalm 37:22 NIV

[22] those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed.

Psalm 125:4-5 NIV

[4] Lord, do good to those who are good, to those who are upright in heart. [5] But those who turn to crooked ways the Lord will banish with the evildoers. Peace be on Israel.

** God’s ultimate purpose as He moves among us is that we shift our focus and bring glory to Him alone; we also benefit, experiencing peace that passes understanding and sanctuary in God

Ezekiel 37:26-28 NIV

[26] I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. [27] My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. [28] Then the nations will know that I the Lord make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever. ’ ”

** Purpose of God's judgment and consequent discipline is to bring glory to God

 Ezekiel 39:27-29 NIV

[27] When I have brought them back from the nations and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies, I will be proved holy through them in the sight of many nations. [28] Then they will know that I am the Lord their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. [29] I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord. ”

** By claiming He is the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus lets the Pharisees know that God is His father and He is the Son of God; Jesus declared He is equality with God and the Jews wanted to kill Him  <M130>

Hence God’s representative, Jesus, came to earth to not only provide the only offer of salvation but show us the way to live

Luke 6:2,5 NIV

[2] Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” [5] Then Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

John 5:17-18 NIV

[17] In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” [18] For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

John 5 records Jesus as saying He is:

• Equal in works — capable of doing whatever God is capable of doing (19-20)

• Equal in power — raising people from the dead as God wills (21)

• Equal in authority

• Equal in judgment — God has given all judgment to the Son who will judge as God wills (22, 27, 30)

• Equal in honor — whoever honors God will honor His Son; this was an indictment on the entire Jewish religious system that did not recognize Jesus as God’s Son (23)

John 5:19-20 NIV

[19] Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. [20] For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

John 5:21 NIV

[21] For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.

John 5:22,27,30 NIV

[22] Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, [27] And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. [30] By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

John 5:23 NIV

[23] that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

** God will save Israel for HIS glory; “Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes.” (vs 23)

Ezekiel 36:20-25 NIV

[20] And wherever they went among the nations they profaned my holy name, for it was said of them, 'These are the Lord's people, and yet they had to leave his land.' [21] I had concern for my holy name, which the people of Israel profaned among the nations where they had gone. [22] “Therefore say to the Israelites, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. [23] I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I am proved holy through you before their eyes. [24] “ 'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. [25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.

** The Lord will restore Israel (notice how many times God indicates what He will do in this passage); it is not of our own effort that we experience salvation and restoration but only through God's intervention

Remember: History has shown the fulfillment of God's Word, such as the Promised Land turning to dust as a result of the Israelites turning from God; God preserved the land so no one would want it and so the Israelites could return

Mark Twain in 1867 commented in his best selling book entitled Innocence Abroad on the condition of Palestine land at the time:

• “It is a blistering, naked, treeless land”

• “A desolation here that not even imagine can grace”

• “Palestine is a hopeless, dreary, heart-broken land”

Ezekiel 36:24-27 NIV

[24] “ ‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. [25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. [26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

Ezekiel 36:33-36 NIV

[33] “ ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. [34] The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. [35] They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited. ” [36] Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.’

Deuteronomy 29:19-28 NIV

[19] When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves, thinking, “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,” they will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. [20] The Lord will never be willing to forgive them; his wrath and zeal will burn against them. All the curses written in this book will fall on them, and the Lord will blot out their names from under heaven. [21] The Lord will single them out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law. [22] Your children who follow you in later generations and foreigners who come from distant lands will see the calamities that have fallen on the land and the diseases with which the Lord has afflicted it. [23] The whole land will be a burning waste of salt and sulfur---nothing planted, nothing sprouting, no vegetation growing on it. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboyim, which the Lord overthrew in fierce anger. [24] All the nations will ask: “Why has the Lord done this to this land? Why this fierce, burning anger?” [25] And the answer will be: “It is because this people abandoned the covenant of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the covenant he made with them when he brought them out of Egypt. [26] They went off and worshiped other gods and bowed down to them, gods they did not know, gods he had not given them. [27] Therefore the Lord’s anger burned against this land, so that he brought on it all the curses written in this book. [28] In furious anger and in great wrath the Lord uprooted them from their land and thrust them into another land, as it is now.”

** Ezekiel addresses Israel’s mountains as symbolic of the whole nation; God promises to

• Give the mountains to dispersed Israel

• Cause fruit to grow on them

• Rebuild cities and multiply people

• Bless in a greater way than in the past; found in the millennial kingdom for those who accept the New Covenant

Ezekiel 36:8-12 NIV

[8] “ 'But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home. [9] I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor; you will be plowed and sown, [10] and I will cause many people to live on you---yes, all of Israel. The towns will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. [11] I will increase the number of people and animals living on you, and they will be fruitful and become numerous. I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the Lord. [12] I will cause people, my people Israel, to live on you. They will possess you, and you will be their inheritance; you will never again deprive them of their children.

** A few minutes of the Spirit's teaching will furnish us with more real, useful and experimental knowledge than toiling through whole folios of commentators and expositors! It will be our wisdom to deal less with the streams and be more close in applying to the fountain-head. The Scripture itself, and the Spirit of God are the best and the only sufficient expositors of Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

John 16:13 NIV

[13] But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Whatever men have valuable in their writings — they got it from Scripture; and the Scripture is as open to us as to any of them. There is nothing required but a teachable, humble spirit; and academic learning, as it is commonly called, is not necessary in order for this.

"The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them" (Ps 25:14) — not notionally, but experimentally. We learn more, and more effectually, by one minute's communication with God through the medium of His written Word, than we could from an assembly of divines, or a library of books!

As a minister, I endeavor to avoid all panaceas, singularities, 'hidden truths' and 'new discoveries' in Scripture. I wish to advance nothing which I cannot maintain upon the authority of the Bible in our English language, which I deem sufficient to make us and our hearers wise unto salvation.

The New Testament is a plain book designed for plain people. The gospel is to be preached to the poor and simple, who are just as capable of receiving it as the educated — and in some sense more so. I therefore lay little stress upon any academic learning which depends upon a knowledge of original Greek and Hebrew languages, or requires a larger degree of capacity and genius to be understood.  <N150>

2 Timothy 3:15 NIV

[15] and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

"Unless our souls are living in communion with God, the Scriptures will not yield us their strength and nourishment!"  <C395>

** God used the king of Babylon and his army as instruments of destruction so they would recognize Him, making one wicked man a scourge to another; at this time, no place in the land of Egypt escaped the fury of the Chaldeans

Ezekiel 30:10-12 NIV

[10] “ 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “ 'I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. [11] He and his army---the most ruthless of nations---will be brought in to destroy the land. They will draw their swords against Egypt and fill the land with the slain. [12] I will dry up the waters of the Nile and sell the land to an evil nation; by the hand of foreigners I will lay waste the land and everything in it. I the Lord have spoken.

Ezekiel 30:17,19 NIV

[17] The young men of Heliopolis and Bubastis will fall by the sword, and the cities themselves will go into captivity. [19] So I will inflict punishment on Egypt, and they will know that I am the Lord.' ”

Ezekiel 30:24-26 NIV

[24] I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon and put my sword in his hand, but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, and he will groan before him like a mortally wounded man. [25] I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, but the arms of Pharaoh will fall limp. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I put my sword into the hand of the king of Babylon and he brandishes it against Egypt. [26] I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations and scatter them through the countries. Then they will know that I am the Lord. ”

** Beware of false teaching!  Always test what you hear against Scripture for a conflicting message; focus on what God is saying to you through His Word than what He is saying to a stranger!  

One danger of NAR, for instance, would be increased dependence on another person who says they are directed by the Holy Spirit and personal ‘experience’ as proof of the power and operation of the Holy Spirit.

For those in the Sola Scriptura camp, there is no need to add info or experiences to what God allowed and has given us in His word; we can learn about God, learn what He desires of us and learn about His plans through what He allowed in His word, the very book He knew believers would look to for guidance for centuries.

We don’t need any more info about God’s plan than what He has revealed to us in Scripture through select prophets that have been proven, confirmed, and verified throughout the centuries; they suffered the death penalty if they uttered anything inaccurate just once!  Current day ‘prophets’ do not hold up to such standards.

** No other religious writing includes prophecy beside Scripture that has proven to be 100% accurate  <F60>

Prophetic fulfillment proves to us the existence of God because no one but God could instruct us through the prophets thousands of years ago of what is happening today (and what will happen tomorrow) besides the eternal God — when it begins to happens people will know that God is the one and only God!

John 13:19 NIV

[19] “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.

John 14:29 NIV

[29] I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

Ezekiel 22:16b NIV

[16] …you will know that I am the Lord.' ”

Luke 21:28 NIV

[28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

** God continues to exact judgment on people so they will acknowledge Him and His Name will be preserved

Ezekiel 22:16 NIV

[16] When you have been defiled in the eyes of the nations, you will know that I am the Lord.' ”

** Many people think of prayer only as coming to God with requests. They only tell Him their needs. They never bow before Him nor speak to Him, unless there is something they wish Him to do for them.

What would you think of a friend of yours who never came to you nor talked with you, except when he wanted to ask some favor of you? True friendship finds many of its sweetest moments, when there is no help to ask--but when only love's communion fills the happy time. It should be so in our relation with our heavenly Father. If we care to be with Him only when we have a favor to ask of Him--then there is something lacking in our love!

We are not to suppose that when Jesus spent whole nights in prayer, He was making requests all the time. He went away from the trying, struggling, troublesome life of the busy days among the people--to find shelter, rest, and renewal of strength, in sweet conversation with His Father. Just so, most of the time we spend in prayer should be given to communion with God.

A minister relates that one Saturday morning, when he was in his study preparing his sermon, his little child opened the door and came in, stealing softly to his side. Somewhat impatiently, the father turned to her and asked, "What do you want, my child?" "Nothing, papa," the child replied. "I only want to be with you."

This is oft-times the only desire of the true Christian when he comes to pray. He has no requests to make--he just wants to be with his Father!  <M136>

Matthew 6:6 NIV

[6] But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

** It was known in the Old Testament that the Gentiles would receive salvation (Isa 49:6); but it was never revealed (until the giving of the Holy spirit to all believers) that all Gentile and Jewish believers would become equal in the body of Christ. This equality was accomplished when Jesus broke down the “wall of partition” and created the “one new man” (Eph 2:14-15), “neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28).  <N154>

Isaiah 49:6 NIV

[6] he says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

Ephesians 2:14-15 NIV

[14] For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, [15] by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,

Galatians 3:28 NIV

[28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

** God declares Himself to us in so many ways, if only we would pay attention <D40>, through:

• Physical manifestation of His presence through the birth of His Son Jesus; expressed through words in Christmas carols such as “O Come Emmanuel” (God with us)

• Communication embodiment of His presence through His eternal word, revealing His thoughts, desires, law/edicts, joys, workings through His people, prophecies, etc — full revelation of God revealed to the human race for thousands of years

• Revealing Himself through His people and continually the Holy Spirit; “God in them” inspiring practices such as hospitals, orphanages, healthcare — many of the things we take for granted today were established from Christian love and emulated by Christ Himself

Matthew 1:23 NIV

[23] “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Luke 7:16-17 NIV

[16] They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” [17] This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

Romans 1:17 NIV

[17] For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed---a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Romans 16:26-27 NIV

[26] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith--- [27] to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Ephesians 1:3 NIV

[3] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

2 John 1:3 NIV

[3] Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

** God checks whether a person’s heart is in tune with His, for His aim is to seize any heart that isn’t

Ezekiel 14:4-5 NIV

[4] Therefore speak to them and tell them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: When any of the Israelites set up idols in their hearts and put a wicked stumbling block before their faces and then go to a prophet, I the Lord will answer them myself in keeping with their great idolatry. [5] I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have all deserted me for their idols.'

** People may mock and think nothing comes of prophetic warnings but God WILL fulfill His Word and promises, putting an end to false utterances  

Ezekiel 12:21-25 NIV

[21] The word of the Lord came to me: [22] “Son of man, what is this proverb you have in the land of Israel: 'The days go by and every vision comes to nothing'? [23] Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am going to put an end to this proverb, and they will no longer quote it in Israel.' Say to them, 'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. [24] For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations among the people of Israel. [25] But I the Lord will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious people, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign Lord.' ”

Ezekiel 12:26-28 NIV

[26] The word of the Lord came to me: [27] “Son of man, the Israelites are saying, 'The vision he sees is for many years from now, and he prophesies about the distant future.' [28] “Therefore say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: None of my words will be delayed any longer; whatever I say will be fulfilled, declares the Sovereign Lord.' ”

** The Old Testament prophets never said anything of their own interpretation and gave us an amazing picture of what will happen; Jesus never contradicted the prophets  <T203>

Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV

[1] In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

** How awesome that the God of the universe even makes Himself known to His creation!

Ezekiel 9:3 NIV

[3] Now the glory of the God of Israel went up from above the cherubim, where it had been, and moved to the threshold of the temple. Then the Lord called to the man clothed in linen who had the writing kit at his side

** We often get anxious asking, “when is Christ going to return?” but remember that God wants to give opportunity to the (estimated) 150,000 people who come to Christ daily and remember that His timetable is not our own  <S188>

2 Peter 3:8 NIV

[8] But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

** God spoke through the Old Testament prophets to convey God’s primary reason for judgment: to motivate people to follow God’s law and know that He “is the Lord” God; this phrase appears 60 times elsewhere in the book of Ezekiel alone  <M130>

Ezekiel 6:1-7 NIV

[1] The word of the Lord came to me: [2] “Son of man, set your face against the mountains of Israel; prophesy against them [3] and say: 'You mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Sovereign Lord. This is what the Sovereign Lord says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: I am about to bring a sword against you, and I will destroy your high places. [4] Your altars will be demolished and your incense altars will be smashed; and I will slay your people in front of your idols. [5] I will lay the dead bodies of the Israelites in front of their idols, and I will scatter your bones around your altars. [6] Wherever you live, the towns will be laid waste and the high places demolished, so that your altars will be laid waste and devastated, your idols smashed and ruined, your incense altars broken down, and what you have made wiped out. [7] Your people will fall slain among you, and you will know that I am the Lord.

Ezekiel 6:10 NIV

[10] And they will know that I am the Lord; I did not threaten in vain to bring this calamity on them.

Ezekiel 6:14 NIV

[14] And I will stretch out my hand against them and make the land a desolate waste from the desert to Diblah---wherever they live. Then they will know that I am the Lord. ' ”

** When our Lord taught His disciples how to pray, it was thus He said they should begin. They were not to come to infinite power, or to unknowable mystery, or to inaccessible light — but to tender fatherhood. This precious name "Father" at the gateway, makes the approach to God easy and sure.

The name "Father" assures us of divine love and care. Does a true parent have care for his child? Much more does our Father in Heaven care for His children on the earth! He even cares for the birds, feeding them their daily food. He even cares for the flowers, weaving with colorful threads the lovely robes which they wear. He surely cares more for His children!

So the precious name "Father" assures us that we shall never be neglected nor overlooked in this great world.

The name "Father" also gives us assurance of unhindered access to the Divine presence. The children of a great earthly king are not kept waiting at their father's door, as strangers are. Just so, God's children have perfect liberty in His presence. They can never come at an untimely hour. He is never too busy to see them and to listen to their words of love and prayer. In the midst of the innumerable affairs of the vast universe, He thinks of His lowliest child! Amid all the confusion and noise of this great world, He hears and recognizes the faintest cry that rises from the lips of the least and lowliest of His little ones.

The name "Father" also interprets for us, the grace and mercy of our God. We are always conscious of sin. How, then, can we gain access to a holy God? Ah! He is our Father! We know that even an earthly father does not shut the door on his erring child. The candle is left burning in the window through the long dark nights — that the wanderer out in the blackness and longing to return, seeing the bright beams, may be assured of love and a waiting welcome. Infinitely more gracious, is "our Father in Heaven!"  <M136>

Matthew 6:9 NIV

[9] “This, then, is how you should pray: “ 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

** We are called to witness to others whether we think they will listen or not — leave the results of your obedience in God’s hands

Ezekiel 2:3-5 NIV

[3] He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. [4] The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says.' [5] And whether they listen or fail to listen---for they are a rebellious people---they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Ezekiel 2:7 NIV

[7] You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.

** The prophets often foreshowed impending judgments by significant emblems, which usually strike more powerfully than words. So Jeremiah was commanded to go down to the potter’s house and observe how frequently vessels were marred in his hands (Jer 18) and to take one of those earthen vessels and break it in the sight of the elders of the Jews (Jer 19) that they might thereby be sensibly taught the greatness of God’s power and their own frailty. So here God commands Ezekiel to take a tile, or such a slate as mathematical lines or figures are usually drawn upon, and there to make a portrait of Jerusalem, thereby to represent it as under a siege.  <C34>

Ezekiel 4:1-3 NIV

[1] “Now, son of man, take a block of clay, put it in front of you and draw the city of Jerusalem on it. [2] Then lay siege to it: Erect siege works against it, build a ramp up to it, set up camps against it and put battering rams around it. [3] Then take an iron pan, place it as an iron wall between you and the city and turn your face toward it. It will be under siege, and you shall besiege it. This will be a sign to the people of Israel.

Jeremiah 18:1-6 NIV

[1] This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: [2] “Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message.” [3] So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. [4] But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. [5] Then the word of the Lord came to me. [6] He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.

Jeremiah 19:1-2,10-11 NIV

[1] This is what the Lord says: “Go and buy a clay jar from a potter. Take along some of the elders of the people and of the priests [2] and go out to the Valley of Ben Hinnom, near the entrance of the Potsherd Gate. There proclaim the words I tell you, [10] “Then break the jar while those who go with you are watching, [11] and say to them, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: I will smash this nation and this city just as this potter's jar is smashed and cannot be repaired. They will bury the dead in Topheth until there is no more room.

** How do we know what God expects of our behavior? Study Scripture. Don’t wait for your preacher to do a study on sin. Study what Scripture says and don’t twist it’s meaning to show your chosen sin as acceptable.

The Bereans were commended for searching Scripture to be sure what Paul was preaching was God's truth. By the way, it was Old Testament Scripture which they searched. Ultimately, you will be accountable for your own sin, and ignorance isn’t an excuse. The whole Bible, from Genesis through Revelation, is God’s word. Men held the writing instruments, but they wrote according to the direction of the Holy Spirit.

Put away the self-help books and study God’s Holy Bible. That’s how we know God’s truth. We study what Scripture says, then conform to it, rather than making it conform to us. We can all find sins in our life that need to be corrected.  <G73>

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

[16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work

** Jesus made it clear that His follower’s mission was to preach the gospel to all nations, starting in Jerusalem

• This mission was to be carried out by all believers

• Start with those around you (like family), then spread into the region (like community organizations) and support worldwide influence

Acts 1:8 NIV

[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Luke 24:46-47 NIV

[46] He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, [47] and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Mark 1:15 NIV

[15] “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

2 Thessalonians 1:5 NIV

[5] All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.

** The lives of the converts were so different from their unbelieving neighbors, that they were called Christians. It is supposed that the name was given them in mockery or contempt by the heathen people of Antioch. But the name stuck, and is now used universally to describe those who follow Christ. It may not be the very best of names.

Perhaps DISCIPLES is better which means learners, followers. We should all be disciples of Christ and should ever be learning of Him, growing in grace and likeness of Him as we follow Him.

Perhaps BELIEVERS is a better name. It carries in itself the thought that we are saved by believing on Christ. It is faith which works the victories in this world.

Perhaps FOLLOWERS would be better. To follow Christ is to receive Him as Master and to cling to Him in obedience and devotion wherever we may go.

But the word "Christian," given at Antioch as a sneer, is now used everywhere. It is full of meaning. Those who are Christians should be like Christ — "little Christs". They should represent Christ in the world. Those who see them should see the image of Christ in them!

Matthew Henry says, "Hitherto the followers of Christ were called disciples, that is, learners, scholars; but from that time they were called Christians. The proper meaning of this name is, a follower of Christ; it denotes one who, from serious thought, embraces the religion of Christ, believes His promises, and makes it his chief care to shape his life by Christ's precepts and example. Hence it is plain that multitudes take the name of Christian--to whom it does not rightly belong! But the name without the reality--will only add to our guilt. While the bare profession will bestow neither profit nor delight, the possession of it will give both the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."  <M136>

Acts 11:26b NIV

[26] The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

** Satan works through individuals to accomplish his goals; we must see the Pharisees of Jesus’ day in the same light, having a religious veneer (saying they desire what is good) but being empty on the inside and being used by Satan for his agendas

Today, we see Satan’s puppets utter lies while not valuing human life; they have openly stated the desire to reduce the earth’s population and will do so through whatever means possible — abortion, euthanasia, drugs, biotech, etc

There are a few tiers of participants:

a) Those proposing the lies who know they are not telling the truth but desire the global agenda; using a means to an end

b) Those who believe the lies and faithfully watch mainstream media; low info and going with the flow — even trusting professionals who we trusted in the past

c) Those who are ‘useful idiots’ who may not believe what they hear but go along with and perpetuate the lies just to survive

Christians are to tell the truth and if they don’t believe then shake the dust off your feet; the goal is to reach people and pray they get saved, like being on the battlefield among confused warriors who need direction as to where to go to be rescued  <H86>

John 8:44 NIV

[44] You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

** All of Christian life is a school. "Learn from Me," said the Master. We are only beginners when we first become Christians and enter Christ's school. We begin at the lowest grade. We do not have to wait until we know a great deal before we begin to attend school. School is not for finished scholars but for the most ignorant. We may come to Christ when we know almost nothing. He is the teacher and all believers are learners.

Matthew 11:29 NIV

[29] Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

** God allows man and Satan’s wrath to unfold on His people when the stage is being set for the Tribulation, but God will spare believers from His end times wrath; therefore the Rapture of the church must happen before the horrific Tribulation  <M131>

1 Thessalonians 4:16 NIV

[16] For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 NIV

[9] For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 3:10 NIV

[10] Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.

Philippians 3:20 NIV

[20] But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ

1 Corinthians 15:52 NIV

[52] in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed

** Man’s wrath is brought upon himself because he abandoned God — removed Him from schools, courts, city centers, etc and then our society has the gall to instruct God on gender issues, what lives are valuable and worth saving, etc

Christians who speak against this perversion in the west right now experience “white collar persecution” but need to be ready for this to increase <H84>; fear not, for we always have hope even though difficulty surrounds us!

Lamentations 3:19-23 NIV

[19] I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. [20] I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. [21] Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: [22] Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

** Babylon laid siege on Jerusalem for 2 years and eventually broke through the wall; Zedekiah’s flight was in vain because there is no escaping the judgment of God for the sinner  <H83>

Jeremiah 52:4-9 NIV

[4] So in the ninth year of Zedekiah's reign, on the tenth day of the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon marched against Jerusalem with his whole army. They encamped outside the city and built siege works all around it. [5] The city was kept under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. [6] By the ninth day of the fourth month the famine in the city had become so severe that there was no food for the people to eat. [7] Then the city wall was broken through, and the whole army fled. They left the city at night through the gate between the two walls near the king's garden, though the Babylonians were surrounding the city. They fled toward the Arabah, [8] but the Babylonian army pursued King Zedekiah and overtook him in the plains of Jericho. All his soldiers were separated from him and scattered, [9] and he was captured. He was taken to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced sentence on him.

** Common sense is really the imprint of God’s hand on the soundness of our minds. As believers in the one true God, we should be able to discern right from wrong, danger from safety, and behave accordingly. We, as Christians indwelled by the Holy Spirit, should have a thirst for the truth, not for making the truth what we want to believe. Let us have a burning desire for freedom in Truth—Christ, who makes us free.  <W212>

2 Timothy 4:3-5 NIV

[3] For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [4] They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. [5] But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

** God allows [shadow of the four horsemen] to foreshadow the horror to come. Not to scare the believer, but as a warning for us that time is running out. The reason it is obvious to us, and not the world is because the world is not looking for it. Furthermore, they are incapable of understanding what is transpiring right in front of their very eyes. The convergence of the signs is for those who are watching to know the season and to see that day approaching, as the Bible instructs.

“Shadows are interesting things. They communicate a reality, yet, they themselves are not really real. They indicate the thing that is coming, yet, they are not the things themselves.”  <O1591>

Luke 21:28 NIV

[28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

** The Lord instigates war between nations to accomplish His will

Jeremiah 49:14 NIV

[14] I have heard a message from the Lord; an envoy was sent to the nations to say, “Assemble yourselves to attack it! Rise up for battle!”

** All cities surrounding Israel voluntarily surrendered so they would not be tortured and now the Assyrians were coming to Jerusalem, blaspheming and challenging Israel’s God

• King Hezekiah had a decision to make because they were next on the Assyrian’s list

• Upon hearing the taunting words from the Assyrians (Sennacherib), King Hezekiah went to the temple to seek the Lord and sent for the prophet Isaiah and was assured of deliverance

• Hezekiah had the right response to this challenge as he went directly to the Lord and asked others to pray for deliverance, but he did so for GOD’S glory!  <F60>

Isaiah 37:14-17,20 NIV

[14] Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it. Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. [15] And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: [16] “Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. [17] Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to all the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. [20] Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are the only God. ”

** The lesson of the Biblical account in Jeremiah chapter 44 is clear: we are to recognize for ourselves and warn others of the seriousness of sin, and how we are to daily repent of the sin in our lives and look to God to help lead us away from it; if you love God, do not sin, because it not only provokes God but destroys your soul  <H83>

Jeremiah 44:10-11 NIV

[10] To this day they have not humbled themselves or shown reverence, nor have they followed my law and the decrees I set before you and your ancestors. [11] “Therefore this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I am determined to bring disaster on you and to destroy all Judah.

** God wanted to make sure His message was received by everyone (including the king and His people) so He had Jeremiah write down what God had spoken to him; Jeremiah created a second scroll after King Jehoiakim burned the first  

Jeremiah 36:2-3 NIV

[2] “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you in the reign of Josiah till now. [3] Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, they will each turn from their wicked ways; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.”

Jeremiah 36:27-28,32 NIV

[27] After the king burned the scroll containing the words that Baruch had written at Jeremiah's dictation, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: [28] “Take another scroll and write on it all the words that were on the first scroll, which Jehoiakim king of Judah burned up. [32] So Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to the scribe Baruch son of Neriah, and as Jeremiah dictated, Baruch wrote on it all the words of the scroll that Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them.

** Baruch not only recorded Jeremiah’s dictation but read God’s words in the temple

Jeremiah 36:4-6,8 NIV

[4] So Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and while Jeremiah dictated all the words the Lord had spoken to him, Baruch wrote them on the scroll. [5] Then Jeremiah told Baruch, “I am restricted; I am not allowed to go to the Lord's temple. [6] So you go to the house of the Lord on a day of fasting and read to the people from the scroll the words of the Lord that you wrote as I dictated. Read them to all the people of Judah who come in from their towns. [8] Baruch son of Neriah did everything Jeremiah the prophet told him to do; at the Lord's temple he read the words of the Lord from the scroll.

** The Lord announced that the Savior of the world will come through the line of David; Jesus Christ is the King whose reign will immediately occur when He appears at the Second Coming  <M130>

Jeremiah 33:14-16 NIV

[14] “ 'The days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. [15] “ 'In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land. [16] In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.'

Daniel 2:35,45 NIV

[35] Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth. [45] This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands---a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. “The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

Daniel 7:13-14,27 NIV

[13] “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. [14] He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed. [27] Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.'

** God is not done dealing with the Persians, for this prophecy regarding ELAM — current day Iran — is unfulfilled as of yet; God outlined that this prophecy will be fulfilled in the last days when God breaks the government and scatters the people, then regathers them back into Elam, or the small western region of Iran

Jeremiah 49:35-39 NIV

[35] This is what the Lord Almighty says: “See, I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might. [36] I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven; I will scatter them to the four winds, and there will not be a nation where Elam's exiles do not go. [37] I will shatter Elam before their foes, before those who want to kill them; I will bring disaster on them, even my fierce anger,” declares the Lord. “I will pursue them with the sword until I have made an end of them. [38] I will set my throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials,” declares the Lord. [39] “Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come,” declares the Lord.

We can see rumblings of change in the region; currently, Iran has the fastest growing Christian church per capita in the world while they are focused on making Christ disciples — only 40% of Iran remains Muslim  <H98> (Jul 2021)

** Being yoked with unbelievers is also a message to the Church not to have any mutual alliance with the world; the church and Israel has a history of joining forces with the world; how can you link the cause of the gospel (God) with evil (Satan)?

The kingdoms of Light and Dark have nothing to do with each other, therefore cannot monitor purpose, harmony, agreement, partnership, fellowship, etc regarding social justice and other worldly agendas is simply not possible for the church  <M130>

• one is old, the other is new

• one is earthly, the other is heavenly

• one is lawless, the other is righteous

• one is deadly, the other is enlivening

• one is material, the other is spiritual

• one is full of lies, the other is truthful

2 Corinthians 6:14 NIV

[14] Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

Deuteronomy 22:10 NIV

[10] Do not plow with an ox and a donkey yoked together.

2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NIV

[16] What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” [17] Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [18] And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Deuteronomy 7:1-2 NIV

[1] When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess and drives out before you many nations---the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations larger and stronger than you--- [2] and when the Lord your God has delivered them over to you and you have defeated them, then you must destroy them totally. Make no treaty with them, and show them no mercy.

This does not mean isolating or divorcing ourselves from current-day unbelievers because we must continue to share the gospel with them; but understand our focus is not to “save the world” (joining their cause) but to evangelize when given opportunity

1 Corinthians 9:21-23 NIV

[21] To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. [23] I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

[Jesus prayer for His disciples]

John 17:15-17 NIV

[15] My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. [17] Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

** Don’t listen to those who scoff at Biblical prophecy because this prophecy bears witness to Jesus Christ!

Revelation 19:10b NIV

[10] …Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

** Jeremiah is to prepare a sign that all neighboring countries would be made subject to the king of Babylon; God asserts his right to dispose of kingdoms as he pleases

Jeremiah 27:2-6 NIV

[2] This is what the Lord said to me: “Make a yoke out of straps and crossbars and put it on your neck. [3] Then send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. [4] Give them a message for their masters and say, 'This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: [5] With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. [6] Now I will give all your countries into the hands of my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him.

** Even when Jeremiah was threatened with death, he did not water-down the message God wanted him to proclaim; Jeremiah did not compromise the message but displayed tremendous spiritual courage while faced with death

Jeremiah 26:10-14 NIV

[10] When the officials of Judah heard about these things, they went up from the royal palace to the house of the Lord and took their places at the entrance of the New Gate of the Lord's house. [11] Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man should be sentenced to death because he has prophesied against this city. You have heard it with your own ears!” [12] Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. [13] Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the Lord your God. Then the Lord will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. [14] As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.

** Sometimes God requires numerous people to be involved in ministry for a seemingly long time without evidence of efforts, as Jeremiah and other prophets experienced having prophesied to a stubborn Israelite nation for 23 years

Jeremiah 25:3-4 NIV

[3] For twenty-three years---from the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day---the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. [4] And though the Lord has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention.

** Even though persecution was imminent when Jeremiah voiced words of truth and warning, he could not remain silent

Jeremiah 20:8-9 NIV

[8] Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long. [9] But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

** The Macedonian Call = the Holy Spirit forbade Paul from continuing west on his journey into Asia (modern day Turkey) but to go into Macedonia (modern day Greece) which was the cradle of western civilization; God knew His message needed to be preached in this area so it would venture out to the rest of the western world

Acts 16:6-8 NIV

[6] Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. [7] When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. [8] So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.

Acts 16:9-10 NIV

[9] During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” [10] After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

** God confirmed to Jeremiah that He created the earth

Jeremiah 33:1-2 NIV

[1] While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him a second time: [2] “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it---the Lord is his name

** Why does evil exist?  

• God ordained evil for His own glory

• God is made infinitely more glorious because evil exists

• We praise Him because of what He has done to overcome evil!

“What was on display at the cross was the righteousness of God, in necessity of pouring out infinite punishment on an infinite Person who therefore had an infinite capacity to absorb all of humanity's sin in 3 hours”

• We would not know God's righteousness and we wouldn't know His mercy if He did not allow sin  <M130>

• Doesn't God have the right to demonstrate His wrath as He does any other virtue?  

• God puts his righteousness on display by the way He deals with evil.

Romans 3:5 NIV [God demonstrates His righteousness]

[5] But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)

Romans 5:8 NIV [God demonstrates His love toward us]

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 9:22 NIV [God demonstrates His wrath and mercy]

[22] What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath---prepared for destruction?

** There are two Gog (Russia) & Magog wars in Scripture  <T203>

1. Ezekiel 38-39 — actual physical restoration of Israel and His followers

2. Revelation 20 — spiritual restoration

EZEKIEL 38-39

• God gathers the Israelites in their land and then God will cleanse them from their filthiness

• armies primarily come from the north and involve only a few nations

• no mention of Satan

• the dead will be buried

• used by God to bring Israel back to Him

• followers of Christ will be gone for this first war

Ezekiel 36:24-25 NIV

[24] “ 'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. [25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.

Ezekiel 38:6 NIV

[6] also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops---the many nations with you.

Ezekiel 38:15 NIV

[15] You will come from your place in the far north, you and many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great horde, a mighty army.

Ezekiel 39:2 NIV

[2] I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel.

Ezekiel 39:21-29 NIV

[21] “I will display my glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the punishment I inflict and the hand I lay on them. [22] From that day forward the people of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God. [23] And the nations will know that the people of Israel went into exile for their sin, because they were unfaithful to me. So I hid my face from them and handed them over to their enemies, and they all fell by the sword. [24] I dealt with them according to their uncleanness and their offenses, and I hid my face from them. [25] “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for my holy name. [26] They will forget their shame and all the unfaithfulness they showed toward me when they lived in safety in their land with no one to make them afraid. [27] When I have brought them back from the nations and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies, I will be proved holy through them in the sight of many nations. [28] Then they will know that I am the Lord their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. [29] I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord. ”

Zechariah 12:10 NIV

[10] “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

REVELATION 20

• involves all nations coming from all directions

• Satan is the primary character at the end of the millennium

• no need to bury the dead because after this battle is the Great White Throne Judgment with the current heaven and earth destroyed & replaced

• Israel has been faithful to God for 1000 years; the rebellious are destroyed

• followers of Christ will return with Him for this battle

Revelation 20:7-10 NIV

[7] When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison [8] and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth---Gog and Magog---and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. [9] They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. [10] And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:11-15 NIV

[11] Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. [12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. [13] The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. [14] Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. [15] Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

** The devastation God unleashed on unrepentant people at the time of Jeremiah and will unleash in the future, is all-encompassing and complete

Jeremiah 15:8-9 NIV

[8] I will make their widows more numerous than the sand of the sea. At midday I will bring a destroyer against the mothers of their young men; suddenly I will bring down on them anguish and terror. [9] The mother of seven will grow faint and breathe her last. Her sun will set while it is still day; she will be disgraced and humiliated. I will put the survivors to the sword before their enemies,” declares the Lord.

** Can your minds fly back to the time when there was no time--to the day when there was no day, but the Ancient of Days?

Can you speed back to that period when God dwelt alone--when this round world and all the things that are upon it, had not come from His hand; when the sun flamed not in his strength, and the stars flashed not in their brightness?

Can you go back to the period when there were no angels, when cherubim and seraphim had not been born; and, if there be creatures older than they, when none of them had as yet been formed?

Is it possible, I say, for you to fly so far back as to contemplate God alone--no creature, no breath of song, no motion of wing; God Himself alone, without another?

Consider next, if you can, the eternal purpose of God that He would CREATE:

• He determines it in His mind.

• Could any but a divine motive actuate the Divine Architect?

• What must that motive have been?

• He creates that He may display His own perfections.

• He does beget, as it were, creatures after His own image that He may live in them; that He may manifest to others the joy, the pleasure, the satisfaction, which He so intensely feels in Himself.

I am certain His own glory must have been the end He had in view! He would reveal His glory to the sons of men, to angels, and to such creatures as He had formed--in order that they might reflect His honor and sing His praise.  <S185>

Revelation 4:10-11 NIV

[10] the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: [11] “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Revelation 19:6-7 NIV

[6] Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. [7] Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

** Our loving God observes us and questions why some refuse Him, the One who loves us beyond measure and only desires what is best for us...?

Jeremiah 8:5-6 NIV

[5] Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away? They cling to deceit; they refuse to return. [6] I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. None of them repent of their wickedness, saying, “What have I done?” Each pursues their own course like a horse charging into battle.

** A friend is one who loves, and does not cease to love. Christ having loved His people, loves them unto the end.

One quality of true friendship, is trust. What could be more sacred than this comfort of feeling safe with a person, absolutely safe? That is the kind of friend Jesus is. You may always feel safe with Him. You may confess all your sins to Him. You may tell Him all your faults and your failures — how you denied Him the other night, how you failed to be true to Him, and all the evil thoughts of your heart; and He will be just as tender and gracious, as if you never sinned! He loves to the end!

None of us would want to have our hearts photographed, and the picture held up before the eyes of our neighbors! We would not want even our best friends to see a full transcript of our secret life — what goes on within us:

• the jealousies,

• the envyings,

• the bitter feelings,

• the impure thoughts,

• the meannesses,

• the selfishnesses,

• the suspicions,

• the doubts and fears!

Yet Christ sees all this unworthy inner life. He knows the worst that is in us, and loves us still! We do not need to hide our weaknesses from Him. He never withdraws His love. We may trust Him absolutely and forever!  <M136>

John 13:1 NIV

[1] It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

** We are encouraged to follow Jeremiah’s example to speak up even though we know no one will listen and we will lose the battle  <K110>

• Jeremiah saw the death of his nation yet had a burning sensation from the Lord to speak anyway

• God wants us to speak, so we speak; ask others to pray for you to that end

• God will not only be with us in our endeavors but provide the needed words!

Jeremiah 1:6-8 NIV

[6] “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” [7] But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. [8] Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 6:10 NIV

[10] To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the Lord is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.

Jeremiah 20:8 NIV

[8] Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long.

Jeremiah 26:2,7-8 NIV

[2] “This is what the Lord says: Stand in the courtyard of the Lord's house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the Lord. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. [7] The priests, the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speak these words in the house of the Lord. [8] But as soon as Jeremiah finished telling all the people everything the Lord had commanded him to say, the priests, the prophets and all the people seized him and said, “You must die!

1 Peter 4:14 NIV

[14] If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Ephesians 6:19 NIV

[19] Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel

** God told Jeremiah ‘times would be tough being the strong wall standing before the nations’; we are to commit to times of faith and obedience

Jeremiah 6:16 NIV

[16] This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

** Even before the creation of our reality, before the age of men and angels, a sovereign God looked down through the passageway of time and determined to Himself, the why and how to perfectly orchestrate the plan of redemption for mankind.

Thus, the universe in its totality, mankind’s shared history, the ever-persistent now, and the unknown future, are all equally foreknown to God. Nothing is hidden from Him. He is perfectly in control. He is perfectly in command of every molecule that floats through our existence. He knows every star by name. He knows the goings-on of every sparrow. He knows how many hairs we have on our heads. He knows the number of every hair of every head that has ever lived. He upholds the foundations of reality by His sheer willpower, without exhausting an ounce of effort. Nothing escapes His knowledge. No power, ruler, authority, prince, king, angel, demon, or ‘titan of industry,’ can bring anything to pass without His permission.

Even more incredible, is that God knows all this while still allowing free will.

He orchestrates events such that His word never returns void. What He has foreordained, will come to pass, even with men and angels acting after their own desires. The only thing I am aware of that God forgets is our sins when we come to Him for forgiveness. At that point, He casts our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He is all-knowing, yet, even knowing the worst of us, has chosen us for Himself while we were still enemies of the Cross (Rom. 5:8-10). We are not only chosen but become living stones precious to God (1 Peter 2:3-5). Lewis Sperry Chafer once said anyone can devise a plan by which good people may go to Heaven. Only God can devise a plan whereby sinners, who are His enemies, can go to Heaven.

Such is the greatness, perfectness, and unfathomable depths of our God’s mercy, sovereignty, justice, grace, holiness, wrath, and love. We (as a human race) know more about the seemingly infinite characteristics of outer space than we do about God. We only even know who God is, by what Scripture states, and yet, even words on paper cannot do justice to who God really is. As holy as some of us think we are, what would it be like to be in His presence? Most of us would consider the prophet Isaiah to be a very holy man, and yet, all he could muster was woe is me, for I am undone! I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips. (Isaiah 6:5)

Most of us would consider the Apostles (minus Judas) to be godly men. The Apostle John, having personally known Jesus, the Incarnate God, and even having been an eyewitness to Him glorified both in the Transfiguration (Matthew 17) as well as His post-Calvary appearances (John 20-21), fell as dead when seeing Christ in His true form (Revelation 1:17). Needless to say, our knowledge of Him, and even our personal encounters with the Holy Spirit, cannot fully prepare us for what lies ahead.

As far as man has advanced in knowledge, in every academic and technological arena we have at our disposal, we still cannot fathom the unsearchable riches of His grace. As the Apostle Paul recorded, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9). It is simply too much for finite man, to fully wrap our minds around an infinite God.  <G70>

Romans 5:8-10 NIV

[8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! [10] For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

** Prophecy from God, included in His Word, is to warn us NOW of what will happen in the time of the end so we are ready

John 14:29 NIV

[29] I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe.

John 13:19 NIV

[19] “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am.

Luke 21:28 NIV

[28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Revelation clearly outlines what will happen, such as the Antichrist ruling over global religion, government and economy  <F60>

Revelation 13:4 NIV

[4] People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

Revelation 13:7 NIV

[7] It was given power to wage war against God's holy people [Tribulation saints] and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.

Revelation 13:16-17 NIV

[16] It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, [17] so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.

** The Lord will punish, without distinction, all the ungodly and unrighteous Jews and Gentiles; they can avoid this vengeance from God by quitting their idolatries and superstitious practices like the Gentile nations  <C34>

Jeremiah 10:10-11 NIV

[10] But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath. [11] “Tell them this: 'These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.' ”

** We are to have a healthy fear of God who created and controls all things

Jeremiah 5:20-24 NIV

[20] “Announce this to the descendants of Jacob and proclaim it in Judah: [21] Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear: [22] Should you not fear me?” declares the Lord. “Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it. [23] But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. [24] They do not say to themselves, 'Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.'

** Efforts to eradicate Israel has been around for thousands of years  <S198> (May 2021)

•  Current day inhabitants in Gaza = Hamas (who are more interested in ethnic cleansing) while West Bank near Lebanon = Hezbollah (more interested in formal government)

• Granted, current day talk of ‘Palestine’ didn't come around till the 7th century with the start of Islam, but the land of Gaza in relation to Israel has been in Scripture from the beginning

• It is amazing how battles from ancient days are shadows of what we see today

• The people groups and conduct in war are similar – while the names may change from Philistines to Palestinians, for instance, the Philistines parading Samson around when conquering Israel in 11th century BC is similar to Hamas parading captives when invading Israel from Gaza in 2023  <D505>

• Since we are talking the same spiritual war that continues today, we will see same patterns  <K110>

• The destruction of Israel continues today with Hezbollah has more than 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel

The first prophecy dealing with Hamas/Lebanon...

• Countries named in Psalm 83 written about 3000 years ago include Philistia = Gaza and Tyre = Lebanon

Psalm 83:6-8 NIV

[6] the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, [7] Byblos, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre. [8] Even Assyria has joined them to reinforce Lot's descendants.

The second prophecy dealing with Hamas…

• Zephaniah predicted about 260 years after the time of Psalm 83 that God would intervene in the conflict in these regions and return the Jews back to their homeland

• Ashdod & Ekron are cities in the Gaza area

Zephaniah 2:4-7 NIV

[4] Gaza will be abandoned and Ashkelon left in ruins. At midday Ashdod will be emptied and Ekron uprooted. [5] Woe to you who live by the sea, you Kerethite people; the word of the Lord is against you, Canaan, land of the Philistines. He says, “I will destroy you, and none will be left.” [6] The land by the sea will become pastures having wells for shepherds and pens for flocks. [7] That land will belong to the remnant of the people of Judah; there they will find pasture. In the evening they will lie down in the houses of Ashkelon. The Lord their God will care for them; he will restore their fortunes.

The third prophecy dealing with Hamas...

• About 60 years after Zephaniah, Ezekiel also confirmed that God would intervene

Ezekiel 25:15-17 NIV

[15] “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'Because the Philistines acted in vengeance and took revenge with malice in their hearts, and with ancient hostility sought to destroy Judah, [16] therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am about to stretch out my hand against the Philistines, and I will wipe out the Kerethites and destroy those remaining along the coast. [17] I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I take vengeance on them. ' ”

** All of us have a Bible at our disposal, a book that has accurately predicted events since the 14th-century BC. Yet, current-day “professionals” refuse to accept it because it is not politically correct.

For over two thousand years, the Bible has accurately predicted thousands of events. From the naming of kings, to the rise and fall of five kingdoms who would shape the ancient (and future) world. The Bible records the coming of the Messiah; His birth, life, ministry, miracles, death, and resurrection. It even records how and why He would die. The Bible accurately predicted the nation of Israel's deliverance (Egypt), travails (wandering), success (Saul, David, Solomon), its conquest (Assyria, Babylon, and Rome), as well as its national resurrection (1948).

Furthermore, the Bible predicts in the last days, the world will be divided under the leadership of ten kings, who will then submit themselves to one ruler (the Antichrist). This Antichrist will then force everyone on earth, on pain of death, to either take his mark or be beheaded (Rev 13).

Here is what the Bible states will actually happen

1. Israel would be resurrected as a nation after a nearly two-millennia diaspora and reclaim Jerusalem as their capital (Deut. 4:31, 30:1-10, Isa. 11:11-12, 66:8-9, Ezek. 36:22-24, Amos 9:14-15, Zech. 12:2-3, Matt. 24:15, Luke 21:24)

2. A world increasingly deteriorating morally and spiritually leading to increased lawlessness, wars/rumors of wars, and men's hearts waxing cold against God (Matt. 24:3-14, 2 Tim. 3:1-7, 2 Peter 3:3-9)

3. A world buckling under its own problems (Earthquakes, pestilences, rumors of war, human conflict, signs in the sun, moon, and stars), all the while knowledge and travel is increasing, adding to man's potential for pretending nothing is wrong and adopting a false normalcy bias (Dan. 12:4, Luke 17:26-29, 1 Thess. 5:1-9)

4. A world increasingly becoming God-hating and Christ-rejecting- while embracing paganism, secularism, ecumenicalism, satanism, and pantheism, even the last days' Christian church would become lukewarm and ineffective (1 John 2:18, 4:3, 2 John 1:7, Romans 1:18-32, Rev. 3:14-22)

5. A world caught off guard by a divinely predicted and appointed, rescue operation known as the Rapture of the Church (John 14:1-3, 1 Thess. 4:13-5:9; 1 Cor 15:51-56, Revelation 3:10)

6. A world at war with no mention of a super nation like the United States anywhere to be found in Scripture, should be sending up red flags to all these think tanks, but they aren't (Gog-Magog coalition, Red Horse- global conflict) (Ezekiel 38-39, Rev. 6:3-4)

7. A world thrown into chaos, and then united by crisis, divides itself into ten regions, who then is taken over by one man (Dan. 2:42-45, Rev. 6:1-2, 13, 17)

8. A world subjugated by 21 divinely appointed judgments (Rev. 6-18) which ultimately destroys all the oceans, trees, rivers, and even the sky; all enemies vanquished and conquered by a returning and victorious Jesus Christ (Zech. 12, 14, Rev. 19)

9. The true, new world order with Christ Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords restores the earth back to its former state of paradise (Isaiah 2, Revelation 20)

All of history before the Cross led to the One whom it would bear. All of history since points back to His victory by conquering death and hell. In His triumph, He has promised to return and has given us His Holy Spirit and His Word to see that day approaching. Because God is ever-faithful until the end, we can trust His plan and know true peace. He has promised us that we who are watching, would not be caught unawares.  <G70>

** God allowed Israel to be reborn as a nation in one day on May 14, 1948

• The Jews did not have their own land for almost 2000 years and were scattered across hundreds of nations with people & governments wanting to destroy them

• On November 29, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly voted 33 to 13 in favor of the partition plan designed to give a certain small amount of land for the creation of a modern-day state of Israel

• On that day, Israel achieved statehood, and on May 14, 1948, Israel declared its independence!  <M1513>

Isaiah 66:8 NIV

[8] Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.

Jeremiah 16:14-15 NIV

[14] “However, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when it will no longer be said, 'As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the Israelites up out of Egypt,' [15] but it will be said, 'As surely as the Lord lives, who brought the Israelites up out of the land of the north and out of all the countries where he had banished them.' For I will restore them to the land I gave their ancestors.

Ezekiel 36:24-28 NIV

[24] “ 'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. [25] I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. [26] I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. [28] Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.

Malachi 3:6 NIV

[6] “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.

** God is not looking for a temple of stone, since as the Creator of all things, the whole universe is His dwelling place; Stephen cited this passage before the Sanhedrin to point out the limiting of God to a temple made with hands

On the contrary, God is looking for a heart to dwell in, a heart that is tender and broken, not one that is concerned with externalities of religion; God is looking to dwell in the heart of a person who takes His Word seriously  <M130>

Isaiah 66:1-2 NIV

[1] This is what the Lord says:

 “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? [2] Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

** God’s mercy is such that it overflows upon those who are outside of the covenant; the New Testament confirms that Gentiles can find Him through the work of His sovereign grace  <M130>