Shameless Persistance

 In Luke 11:5-13 Jesus uses a parable to teach us a lesson in prayer. In this parable, a visitor arrives at a man's house late at night, and probably unexpectedly. Hospitality was a vital part of middle eastern culture, so this man was in a desperate situation. We may look at this and think to ourselves that the hour is late, welcome your guest, and then get everyone back to bed. Deal with the food issue in the morning. Not so in this example. Hospitality demanded the bread to set before the guest, even at this late hour.

The man, in his desperation goes to his neighbor for help. It is midnight, and his neighbor is in bed with his family, and the house is locked up for the night. His answer is no, I cannot help you. However, Jesus stated that the man may not get up to help because of the friendship these men share, but he will get up and give his friend bread because of his importunity. This word importunity means persistence. The man would not take no for an answer but kept beating on his neighbor's door asking for bread. The Amplified version puts it this way,

     I tell you, although he will not get up and supply him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his shameless persistence and insistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs (Luke 11:8 AMP.)

I think most of us would give up with the first no. It would seem awkward, even rude to wake up a neighbor at midnight, and then to go back and keep knocking and asking. But not so with God. Jesus goes on to tell us that the one who asks receives, the one who seeks finds, and the one who knocks will have the door opened (Luke 11:9-10). In the Greek construction, the verbs ask, seek, and knock imply a continual action. Again, I like how the Amplified Bible puts this.

     So I say to you, Ask and keep on asking and it shall be given you; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened (Luke 11:9-10 AMP).

I have run across Christians who believe that if you have to ask more than once it means you don't have faith. I have heard others say that their children don't have to ask more than once for them to hear, listen and give what their child wants. That said however, the point is what Jesus teaches! He is teaching us to be persistent. To be shamefully persistent. Elsewhere we are told to come boldly to the throne of grace for help in time of need (Heb 4:16).

Some may think this to be arrogant or presumptuous, but our need should create a desperation within us, a passion that drives us to God with a desire that cannot be denied. Do we really want what we pray for? Do we really expect God to hear and grant our requests? One whose petitions are fueled by such a faith as this will come boldly, will come with a shameless persistence, and will have their requests granted.

End Times Faith

 "Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come upon you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." (Luke 21:34-36 NASB)

The bible foretells of terrible days ahead of us, the final days of this age. We are warned throughout scripture of coming apostacy (2 Thess 2:3, 1Tim 4:1, Matt 24:10-12). Deception will increase (Matt 24:24, 2 Thess 2:8-12). Persecution such as the world has never seen will come upon us (Matt 24:9-10). Will we be ready? Will we be able to stand?

Right now, we have things fairly easy here in America. We do not face any real persecution, we have liberty to worship, bibles are readily available to anyone who wants one. Now is the time to build up our faith (Jude 20) because once we are in the storm our feeble faith will not sustain us. 

Now more than ever we must immerse ourselves in the word of God. We need to know what we believe and why. We must be actively living out our faith, as a living faith is a working faith (James 2:17, Heb 5:13-14, 6:11-12). And how about our prayer lives?

Jesus tells a parable of a persistent widow, and an unjust judge (Luke 18:1-8). His intent is to teach us to pray at all times without giving up. This widow appeared again and again, seeking justice from a judge who was unwilling to give her what she asked for. finally, because he was tired of her, he grants her request. How much more is God, who is just and caring, willing to bring about justice for us, who cry out to Him day and night? Jesus tells us that He is more than willing to bring it about. However, He leaves us with a sobering statement, "However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8)

If you are prayerless now, will you be prayerless under intense persecution? If you're a spiritual infant now, can you expect to mature under fire? What will your faith look like when Jesus comes back? Will He find you standing firm through to the end (Matt 24:13)? Will you be watchful and prayerful, because that is going to be what we will need in that hour. We need to ruthlessly trust in the one who is able to keep us from falling, and to make us stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy (Jude 24). We are protected by God through faith for a salvation that will be revealed at Christ's second coming. This is when the proof of our faith will be revealed, the faith that endures fiery trial, and comes out firm (1 Peter 1:4-7).

God's latter days Promise to Israel

 The book of Deuteronomy finds the Israelite people preparing to enter the promised land. Forty years have passed in the wilderness. The older generation who refused to enter years ago have all died in the wilderness. This is the younger generation, those who God would allow to enter, 

We find Moses, throughout this book, reminding these people of God and His law. He instructs them in the ways of the Lord and warns them of the consequences of turning away from God. In fact, he knows that the time will come when they forsake the Lord their God. 

"So watch yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form of anything against which the LORD your God has commanded you. For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. When you become the father of children and children's children and have remained long in the land, and acted corruptly, and make an idol in the form of anything, and do that which is evil in the sight of the LORD your God so as to provoke Him to anger, I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will surely perish quickly from the land where you are going over the Jordan to possess it. You shall not live long on it, but will be utterly destroyed. The LORD will scatter you among the peoples and you will be left few in number among the nations where the LORD drives you. There you will serve gods, the work of man's hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell (Deut 4:23-28).

Moses warns them that if they forsake their God, if they turn to idols, they will be severely punished. They will be driven off the land they possess, scattered among the nations, and left few in number. And indeed, Moses was right. Years later the Assyrian empire carried off the northern kingdom of Israel for her unfaithfulness, followed by the Babylonian invasion of Judah a little over a century later. Again, we see them banished from Israel by the Romans in 70AD, and only recently, since 1948, have they settled in their land again.

Yet they have not returned to the Lord their God, and will still face one more time of tribulation, one more time when they will be scattered among the nations as captives. However they have a promise. Daniel claimed this promise and acted upon it as the days of the Babylonian captivity were drawing to a close (see Daniel 9:1-19). What was this promise?

"But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the LORD your God and listen to His voice. For the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them". (Deut 4:29-31 NASB)

If they would repent in the time of their distress, and seek the Lord with all of their heart, God would be faithful to hear them, and deliver them. He has made a solemn covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to establish their descendants in the land that he would give them forever (Genesis 15:18, 17:19, 22:17-18, 26:3-5, 35:9-12).

It is interesting to note that Moses tells the people that they will return to the Lord in the last days. In His lament over Jerusalem, Jesus says, "For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, 'BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.' " (Matt 23:39) In other words, they would not see Him until they recognize Him as their Messiah. The day is coming when they will be surrounded by their enemies. At their lowest point they will look upon the one whom they pierced and mourn for Him. A fountain of cleansing will be opened for their sin, and it will be removed for the nation in one day (Zech 12:10-13:1, 3:9).

The Apostle Paul quoting Isaiah 59:20-21 says this, "And so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, the deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob. This is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins."

Grace in the Wilderness

 For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him (Deut 32:9-12 KJV).

Deuteronomy 32 contains what is known as the song of Moses. It was to be a witness against them on the day that they would break their covenant with God and face the evils that would come upon them as a result (Deut 31:19-21). 

In the above passage quoted we read of the very beginning of Israel's relationship with God as a nation. This recounts the desert experience out of Egypt, and God's care and provision for His people, as He led them through the wilderness. It was here that God cared for them for forty years. And they lacked nothing (Deut 2:7). 

Now in the time of their backsliding, God calls them to remember their beginning,

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me saying, Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; I remember thee, the kindness of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown, Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD (Jeremiah 2:1-3 KJV).

The covenant made at Sinai was in effect a marriage between the Lord God, and His people Israel. Now they were unfaithful. They had turned from Him to serve other gods. They had broken the covenant and committed adultery. God asks what iniquity they had found in Him that would cause them to walk after vanity? Why did they not seek Him who had brought them through the wilderness, and into the land of plenty (Jeremiah 2:4-7)?

The immediate context of the book of Jeremiah is that of the Babylonian captivity. Much of the prophecy contained within it pertains to this. However, as with many prophecies found in scripture there is a future application as well. While the Babylonian captivity is often the focus here, the future is in view as well.

Hosea is a book of God's love, and Israels' unfaithfulness. Once again, the concept of marriage is in focus here. We get a glimpse of God's anger, his jealousy for His unfaithful bride. Yet we also see His love and desire to bring her back to Himself. Although God would bring judgement against the nation, His judgement was also intended to bring His wayward bride back in repentance (Hosea 2:1-23). In what is to be a future fulfillment of prophecy we read this,

     Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shall call me no more Baali. For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely. And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgement, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD (Hosea 2:14-20 KJV).

At this point in time Israel is still an unfaithful wife. We have not yet seen the day when they return to the Lord in godly sorrow as a nation. This is yet to come (Zech 12:10-14). First must come the valley of Achor.

Joshua 7 records the sad story of Achan and the trouble he brought upon Israel on account of his sin. As a result of his taking some of the spoil out of Jericho, things that had been devoted to God, and were not to be taken by the people themselves, God's favor was withdrawn from the camp of Israel. When his sin was discovered, he was stoned along with his family and possessions. Only then did God's favor return again to Israel. Before he was stoned Joshua asked him why he had troubled Israel, and then told him that the LORD would trouble him that day. The place where he was put to death was called the valley of Achor, which means trouble (Joshua 7:24-26).

In Hosea we read that the valley of Achor, or trouble, will become a door of Hope. It will be through extreme distress that Israel will reach the point where she returns to her husband (Isaiah 54:5). 

Jesus speaks of a day to come when Israel must flee to the mountains. And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all the things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! For there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled (Luke 21:20-24 KJV).  

In a parallel passage Jesus mentions the abomination of desolation as the signal to flee (Matt 24:15-22). It will be a time of Great tribulation such as the world has never seen. This coincides with the revealing of the man of sin (Antichrist) mentioned in 2 Thess 2:3-9).The city will be trodden underfoot by the Gentiles for 42 months (Rev 11:2).

In Revelation 12:1-17 we read of a sign in heaven. A woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars upon her head represents Israel. This woman gives birth to a child who represents the Messiah, Jesus. A dragon with seven heads and ten horns represents Satan who tries to destroy this child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron (Psalm 2:1-12). We have seen in biblical history how Satan has used various empires to wipe out Israel in an attempt to stop the coming of the Messiah. Think about the slavery in Egypt, and the edict to throw the male babies in the Nile, or Herod's command to destroy the male children under two years of age, an attempt to destroy the child who was to be the king of Israel. 

This child is caught up to the throne of God and Satan turns his attention toward the woman who flees into the wilderness to a place prepared by God, where she is fed for 1,260 days (Rev 12:6). One thousand two hundred sixty days comes out to 3 1/2 years. 

Coinciding with the revealing of the Antichrist, I believe, is the war in heaven where Satan is cast to the earth. It will be a time of unequaled woe in the earth. Satan will pour out his great wrath, as he knows his time is short (Rev 12:7-13). He persecutes the woman (Israel) who is given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place where she is nourished for a time, times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent (Rev 12:14).

This also refers to 3 1/2 years (see Daniel 7:23-25, 12:7, Rev 13:5). The final seven-year period on this earth as we know it will be split in half, with the final three- and one-half years known as the great tribulation. This will be the time of Jacob's trouble, yet he will be saved out of it (Jeremiah 30:7). We see here the loving care of God. He knows what it will take to bring His erring people back to Himself. He also knows how to preserve them through this greatest of all trials. Indeed, the valley of Achor will be a door of hope. God will bring His erring people back to their beginning so to speak. He will bring them literally into the wilderness where He will once again speak tenderly to them.

     

The Reunification of Israel in the Last Days

 In the days following the death of king Solomon the kingdom of Israel was divided. This was foretold to a man named Jeroboam, who became king of the ten northern tribes of Israel, while Rehoboam ruled in Judah. (1 Kings 11:29-12:24). Israel has been divided ever since. The Old Testament records the destruction of the "House of Israel" by the Assyrians, who carried them away as captives, dispersing them among the nations. 

The southern Kingdom of Judah (Benjamin also joined Judah) remained loyal to the lineage of David and existed alongside the northern kingdom as enemies until the Assyrian invasion in 722 BC. Judah eventually was carried away as well, by Babylon roughly a century later, although they were allowed to return to the land seventy years later.

Now several thousand years later, and many more dispersions as well, Israel has become a nation once again. People who had been scattered among the nations returned and are still returning. Yet Israel is more of a secular nation, and we have yet to see them live united under the Davidic throne.

The scriptures are filled with prophecies regarding the uniting of the two houses of Israel under one Davidic ruler. These are yet to be fulfilled and will be realized in their fulness at the return of the Messiah, Jesus. Let's look at a few of them.

Then it will happen on that day that the Lord will again recover the second time with His hand the remnant of His people who remain, from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And He will lift up a standard for the nations and assemble the banished ones of Israel, and will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. Then the jealousy of Ephraim will depart, and those who harass Judah will be cut off; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, and Judah will not harass Ephraim (Isaiah 11:11-13 NASB).

Here we see that Jesus will once again recover the scattered remnant of His people. The areas mentioned make up countries existing in the middle east and north Africa. Modern day countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Iraq, and Iran exist in the lands mentioned in these verses. These are some of the nations that surround Israel today, and ultimately will be gathered against her prior to the return of Christ (Ezekiel 38:1-9, Zech 12:2-3, Luke 21:20).

We also see the mention of Israel, and Judah. the Lord will gather the dispersed and banished of both Kingdoms and heal the rift between them. Jealousy and harassment will end when Jesus returns.

"For behold, days are coming, " declares the LORD, "when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah." The LORD says, "I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers and they shall possess it." (Jeremiah 30:3)

"At that time", declares the LORD, "I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:1)

"Behold, days are coming," declares the LORD, "When I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. As I have watched over them to pluck up, to break down, to overthrow, to destroy and to bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant," declares the LORD (Jeremiah 31:27-28 NASB).

Jeremiah 30 is a chapter foretelling the restoration of Israel, both houses. However, it also foretells the hardship that both houses will go through to bring this deliverance to fruition. This time of "Jacob's distress" (Jeremiah 30:7) is what is also known as the great tribulation, the final 3 1/2 years of this age. The bitterness of the Antichrist's invasion will bring the Hebrew people to recognize their Messiah, and to repentance (Zech 12:10). Jeremiah also foretells of deliverance, salvation from their enemies, and the raising up of their messianic ruler (Jeremiah 30:8-11).

Jeremiah 31:31-34 records for us the coming "New Covenant". It is interesting to note that this covenant is made with "the house of Israel" and "the house of Judah". I think we often look at the new covenant as Gentile believers and forget who this covenant was originally made with. As Gentiles, we too are grafted in and many of us enjoy the blessings of a relationship with God made possible through this covenant sealed with the blood of Jesus. But God's chosen people Israel have not realized the blessings offered them through this covenant. To be sure, there are those who have turned to Jesus as Messiah, but we have yet to see the day when "all Israel will be saved " (Romans 11:26). This will be fulfilled at the return of Christ. God pledges that the offspring of Israel will never cease from being a nation before Him, and He will never cast them off (Jeremiah 31:35-37).

In Ezekiel 37, the vision of the "dry bones" we read about two sticks. One stick represents the house of Judah and one the house of Israel. Ezekiel is told to join the two sticks together making one stick. This prophetically represents the last days reunification of Israel,

     "Say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king will be king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations and no longer be divided into two kingdoms."'" (Ezekiel 37:21-22). 

The chapter goes on to speak of their cleansing of sin. God declares that they will be His People and He will be their God. Under "David" their king, they will walk in obedience, living in the land promised to their forefathers. God will make an everlasting covenant with them, dwelling in their midst forever (Ezekiel 37:23-28). So much for replacement theology which states that God has ultimately rejected Israel and replaced them with the Church. Under this system of biblical interpretation all of the promises made to Israel are spiritualized and given to the Church instead. This destroys a literal reading of the Old Testament, especially the prophetic books, and leads to a rather confusing understanding of what these books mean. Taken at face value however, it is not very hard to see that although Israel has sinned in their rejection of God, He still loves them, and will ultimately work out their salvation, and be faithful to His promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Hosea is a book devoted primarily to the northern kingdom, the house of Israel. It is a book of judgement, severe judgement at that. It is here we see God casting off His people (the northern kingdom), but yet also yearning for them to return to Him. In a powerful statement we see God reject His people, and then foretell of the day when they would once again be His people (Hosea 1:9-10). Chapter 1 concludes with this promise,

     And the sons of Judah and the sons of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint for themselves one leader, and they will go up from the land, for great will be the day of Jezreel (Hosea 1:11 NASB).

So, we see a consistent testimony in the prophetic books of the Old Testament. By the mouth of two or three witnesses let a matter be established ( 2 Cor 13:1). Once again, we read of the divided kingdoms of Israel uniting. This theme is repeated over and over by the prophets. Hosea tells us that the sons of Israel will live for many days without king or prince, without sacrifice, sacred pillar, ephod or idol. But they will come trembling to the Lord in the last days (Hosea 3:4-5).  In Hosea 5:15 we read that in their affliction they will earnestly seek God. In a famous passage often used at Christmas time we read of the coming of Christ to Bethlehem. However, this entails much more than the birth of Jesus! In this passage we read of the regathering of Israel in the last days, the deliverance from the Assyrian (Antichrist), and the Rule of the Messiah (Micah 5:1-15).

The prophetic ministry of Amos concerned the northern kingdom of Israel. At the end of the book, we read that the day will come when the fallen booth of David is restored. Someday the two nations will once again live under the Davidic rule, with Jesus as their king. In this age the captivity of Israel will be restored. They will never again be uprooted from their land. But first will come a shaking in the land. God will bring judgement to the house of Israel before all of this can come to pass (Amos 9:9-15).

The Apostle Paul leaves us with a good word of advice. He does not want us to be ignorant of what will someday take place, lest we become wise in our own eyes,

     For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery-so that you will not be wise in your own estimation-that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles has come in; and all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "The deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob. This is my covenant with them when I take away their sins." (Romans 11:25-27 NASB)

Yes, there is a partial hardening of the Jews at this point. The natural branches have been cut off, and wild branches (Gentile believers) have been grafted in. but God has not cast off His people forever but will someday graft them in once again (Romans 11:17-24).

     

Considering the Poor

 One mark of a healthy Christian is their concern for the poor. As one reads through the Bible God's heart for the poor becomes evident. If we as Christians are filled with the Spirit of God, this same heartbeat should be ours as well. To not feel a sense of care, a care that leads to action, is to leave one wondering if God does in fact live within him or her.

James puts it like this, "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; not withstanding ye give them not those things   which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone (James 2:14-17 KJV).

And John has this to say, But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and truth (1 John 3:17-18 KJV).

In Matthew 25:31-46 we read of the nations being gathered before Jesus. In this passage a separation occurs between the "sheep and goats." The sheep to eternal life, and the goats to destruction. The basis of this judgement is how we treated the "least of these" in this lifetime. Did we see them hungry and feed them, naked clothe them, visit the sick and those in prison? This is a sobering passage of scripture. Jesus equates our response to the needy around us to our response to Him. 

I am aware that there are those who will say that these scripture examples are speaking of the brethren, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. To be sure, if we fail to care for one another within the body of Christ, we are in a most pitiful situation. But what about the poor in general, who are all around us?

 I have seen Galatians 6:10 misused to focus almost entirely on the household of faith (the church), to the exclusion of the poor who are lost and dying without Christ. Yes, we recognize that we should do good to all men, but the emphasis is on especially the household of faith. Of course, all the effort stays "in house" while the world at large is ignored. 

A certain man wishing to justify himself, once asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?" Did Jesus tell him that he only needed to care for his immediate family and friends, or only the members of his synagogue, or local church? Do we love only fellow Christians, and spend all of our resources and efforts on them?

The parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:27-37) tends to step on toes, destroying our comfort zones in the process. A certain man was on his way to Jericho from Jerusalem. This was a very dangerous road, and he was beaten, robbed, and left for dead. Now several men passed by, one a priest, and the other a Levite. They were fellow Jews, and one would think that surely they would show compassion. However, they looked at him, crossed the road, and passed on. Now these were religious men, yet their religion was worthless. They are a good example for those of us who take the name of Christ yet close up our hearts to the needy ones around us! 

Now a Samaritan came along. The Samaritans were hated by the Jews. Ethnically, they were a mix of nationalities living in what had once been the northern kingdom of Israel. We might expect this individual to look upon this helpless man and walk on as well. We might think that he had every right to despise this Israelite. After all, that is what racism tends to do.

Then an amazing thing happens. He stops and helps this man. He gets him to an inn and pays all of his expenses. This hated Samaritan was filled with compassion for his enemy. You see, love crosses all of the barriers we tend to put up in our lives. Racism, social status, religion, all of these tend to keep many of us from loving our neighbor! 

Jesus tells us to love our enemies and to do good to them (Matt 5:44, Luke 6:35-36). Our neighbor can be anyone who we come into contact with who has a need that we can meet. Jesus gives us a command that comes right from the Father's heart for the poor, Fear not, little flock; for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:32-34 KJV). 

Not only is this a command from Christ to those who would follow Him, but it is also a gauge of our hearts! What motivates us? Are we moved with compassion for others, or driven by our interests only? However, we are not to merely look out for ourselves, but others as well (Phil 2:4).

We read of the emphasis placed on the care of the poor and needy by the fledgling Church. They care of the poor was the one thing that Peter, James, and John urged Paul and Barnabus to remember, and of course Paul was eager to do this (Gal 2:10). Remembering widows and orphans in their distress was considered "Pure and undefiled religion" before God (James 1:27). After the "birth" of the Church on the day of Pentecost the believers practiced the words of Christ, sold their possessions, and took care of the needy among them (Acts 2:44-45, 4:34-35). Notice the selflessness that these new Christians displayed before all those around them! 

So let us examen ourselves to see where we are at spiritually speaking. Are we filled with love and compassion for others? Or do we tend to neglect, or even refuse to help others in need? This is not meant to bring on a guilt trip, but to encourage us to lay down our lives, and begin to love our neighbor as ourselves. 

 

The Persecuted Church

      The second church addressed in Revelation chapter two is the one found in Smyrna. Like the others, this church was located in Asia Minor as well; what we now know as modern-day Turkey. This was a group of believers who were already facing hardship and were about to face increased persecution.

     And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things sayeth the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; I know thy works and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the Devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev 2:8-11 KJV).

     These words came from the one who lives, but was dead, the one who is alive forevermore and holds the keys of hell and death (Rev 1:18). Jesus tells us to fear not. He warns us that persecution will come to those who follow Him (John 15:18-21). In fact, He assures us that persecution is a blessing, and tells us to rejoice when it happens (Matt 5:10-12).

     And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt 10:28 KJV). As we read above, Jesus has conquered death and the grave, and as a result, eternal life awaits those who overcome. Therefore, we should not let fear keep us from following Jesus. This life is temporary, and the hardships we face are only a moment in eternity. Those who are ashamed of Jesus will find that He is ashamed of them as well (Mark 8:38). However, we read the opposite of those who overcome,

     And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev 12:11 KJV). 

     Multitudes of Christians have suffered persecution down through the ages, all around the world. Wherever the Church has suffered, it has also thrived in this way. This is the secret, to love not our lives unto death. We are told of a coming time of tribulation that will be unlike anything the world has ever seen. We must cast off fear, and rise in boldness, remembering the words of our Lord concerning persecution. He has warned us of it, and told us not to fear what man can do to us. We are to expect it, count ourselves blessed, and rejoice that we can suffer for His sake. 

     And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved (Matt 10:22 KJV).

     He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Rev 21:7KJV).

     

The Loveless Church

      We read in the book of Revelation about seven churches. These churches, found in Asia Minor (present day Turkey), are representative of various churches throughout history, and including the present day. The good things as well as the bad, are revealed in these letters. Some are admonished to repent of their errors and compromise, others are encouraged in their faithfulness. These seven letters are just as applicable to us today. Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things that are written in it; for the time is near (Rev 1:3 NASB). 

     The first church mentioned is the church found in Ephesus. This would be the church found in the nineteenth chapter of Acts. Paul found a group of twelve men who were disciples, but had not yet been filled with the Holy Spirit. Paul stays on on Ephesus for about two years and a church is established. This same church was the recipient of what we refer to as Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, found in our Bibles. Shortly before his arrest, Paul admonishes this congregation, as they would never see him again, warning them of false teachers who would eventually rise up from among them (Acts 20:17-38). 

     This church had a lot going for it. It was planted by Paul, who spent quite a while with them, building them up and teaching them. But that is no guarantee of their future faithfulness. By the time John received the Revelation on the isle of Patmos, Ephesus was in trouble.

     Revelation 2:1-7 contains the letter addressed to the Ephesian church. Jesus tells them He knows their deeds. He has seen their hard work, and their perseverance in it. They were meticulous in weeding out false teachers and evil men. Perhaps they were taking Paul's earlier warning quite seriously! These are all good things, and all Christians everywhere should be as judicious in maintaining doctrinal purity. However they lacked one thing. At one time they were passionate about Jesus, but now their love had diminished considerably. They had left their first love. The love that they initially had for Christ had driven them to labor tirelessly for His kingdom. Now they were still working as hard as ever, but it was a hollow empty work, spurred on by tradition. They were doing what they did because this was the way they always did it. 

     What really matters is faith that works by love (Gal 5:6). We read that all of our good works are empty efforts without love (1 Cor 13:1-3). And Jesus warns this church that they are about to lose their lamp stand. He urges them to repent and do the deeds they did at first. They must rekindle that love they once had, and allow that to motivate their deeds done for Christ. 

     What about us? I can relate to this in my own life. I remember the early days of my salvation. Everything was new and exciting, and I felt that there was nothing that I would not do for my Savior. Of course we do not live in constant excitement, but we should not let our love grow cold. Sadly, many of us lose our love without realizing it. Our lives seem to stay the same. We may attend church faithfully, pray, read the Bible, and do all kind of good things. However, what is motivating us? Are our religious deed mere habits, or are they born out of a passion for Jesus? As we see the last days approaching we should be ever mindful of Jesus' words, Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most will grow cold" (Matt 24:12).

     

     Instead of losing our lamp stands, let us as the church put them out for the world to see.

     

Freedom to Sin?

     A common misconception of Christianity is that it gives Christians a freedom to sin. The idea goes something like this. If Jesus died for my sins, and I believe in Him, and if I am totally forgiven, therefore any future sins I commit are also forgiven. If this is the case, then it does not matter how I live out my life. I can sin all I want to, as it is all forgiven, and there are no eternal consequences to worry about.

     Of course, there are people who view Christianity with contempt because of this error, mocking the whole idea of Christ's sacrifice for the pardon of sin. Then there are those who profess to know Christ but deny Him by their deeds (Titus 1:16). They have fallen into serious error as well, as the Bible points out throughout its pages.

     Jesus tells us that a good tree will bring forth good fruit, and an evil tree will bring forth evil fruit, and be cut down and cast into the fire (Matt 7:16-20). Not everyone who professes Him as Lord will enter into the kingdom of Heaven, only those who are obedient (Matt 7:21). What He is saying is this. One who professes to know Him will obey Him. The idea of faith goes beyond a head knowledge of historical facts and things we believe about Him. A real faith puts what we believe into practice. This agrees with what James tells us about faith and works. A faith with no works is a dead faith. Our deeds show the reality of our faith (James 2:17-26). In this passage we see the examples of Abraham, and of Rahab. They both exhibited a faith that acted upon what they believed. It may shock many of you if I stated that a man is justified by his works, and not by faith alone. However, this is what James under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit states. "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24 KJV).

     Don't misunderstand me. I am not advocating legalism or a works based salvation. The scriptures are abundantly clear that our salvation cannot be earned. However, true faith goes beyond out head knowledge and ends in our actions. If not, it is a useless, dead faith. 

     The apostle Paul was accused by his enemies of preaching a cheap grace gospel. "And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? Whose damnation is just (Romans 3:8 KJV). Paul condemns this this accusation in no uncertain terms! Romans 6 strongly refutes the idea of a freedom to sin. Romans 6:1 opens with the rhetorical question, "Shall we continue in sin so that grace may abound?" Paul's answer is a resounding no. He goes on to point out how a Christian is identified with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. As followers of Christ, we are dead to sin, and alive unto God. We are to no longer allow sin free course in our lives, instead, we are to live righteously unto God. Sin no longer has dominion over a believer, as he is not under law, but grace. However, grace is not a free pass to sin, We are slaves of who, or what we yield ourselves to. A professing believer who chooses to sin is a slave of sin, and under its dominion period. Grace actually teaches us to deny sin, and live godly, obedient lives (Titus 2:11-12).

     The author of Hebrews did not agree with a sinning saint theology either. He strongly exhorts his audience to persevere in godliness. "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries (Hebrews 10:26-27). I would like to make it clear, we are all prone to sin. We face temptations and sometimes fall, We may sin unintentionally, or in the heat of a moment. However, a true follower of Christ will get back up, confess his sin and turn from it and seek grace (1 John 1:9). John writes his first epistle to guard us against sin, but if find ourselves to have sinned, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). However this is not the same thing as an individual who claims the name of Jesus, but continues on in an unrepentant lifestyle. John writes that the way we know who knows Christ is by our obedience to His commands (1 John 2:3-5). This epistle is consistent in this message. 

    Jesus came to take away our sin, and in Him is no sin. As His followers we are to be like Him. If we walk in darkness, yet claim to be in the light, we are found to be liars (1 John 1:5-7). In the third chapter of First John, we can plainly see that the mark of a Christian is that of obedience. Because the Christian has been transformed by Jesus and is now led by a new principle through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, he does not sin as before. The difference between the children of God, and the children of the devil is obvious. It comes down to sin. Have we been delivered from it, or are we still under its control. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil and set us free from sin (1 John 3:2-10). 

     In conclusion, there is no freedom to sin found in the gospel. Salvation goes beyond forgiveness and strikes at the problem of sin itself. The gospel provides a way to deliver those who put their trust in Christ from the dominion of sin in their lives. We are not saved in our sins, but from our sins.

The Restrainer, the Dragon, and the Beast

      Christians have long sought to understand the identity of the restrainer mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. Paul is addressing an issue that the Thessalonian church was facing. It seemed that they were under the impression that the day of the Lord had already taken place. Naturally, this had shaken their faith, and Paul seeks to remind them of what he had previously taught them. 

     A common view of this passage is that these Christians had somehow come to believe that the rapture of the church had already taken place, and they had been left behind. This passage has been used as a proof text by those who promote the pre-tribulation rapture of the church. Therefore, Paul, attempts to show them that they have not missed the day of the Lord. 

     Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God (2 Thess 2:3-4 NKJV).

     Now this passage is telling us that the coming of Christ, and our gathering to Him (2 Thess 2:1) will not occur until there is a great falling away from the faith, and the man of sin (Antichrist) is revealed. This already causes a problem for a pre-trib position, as they hold that the church is gone at the start of the final seven- year period known as the tribulation. 

     Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way (2 Thess 2:5-7 NKJV).  

     The question becomes that of, "Who or what is the restrainer?" Again, a common view is the Holy Spirit. I quoted these verses out of the New King James Version, where they capitalize the pronoun He, to show deity. However, did the NKJV translators impose their belief system into the text in this verse? 

     Pre- trib theology holds that the restrainer is the Holy Spirit, indwelling the church. Once the church is raptured, the Holy Spirit is absent from the earth, allowing the man of sin to be revealed. But Paul has just told us that the day of the Lord will not come until the antichrist is revealed, not before. The Holy Spirit within the church cannot be the restrainer according to what Paul has just stated. This causes a problem for a pre- trib rapture theology. Many Christians lament the fact that the Thessalonian Christians knew the identity of the restrainer (2 Thess 2:6), but Paul never mentioned him by name in this epistle. But is the Bible silent about the restrainer? Is there something the Thessalonians knew that we could know as well?

     It is helpful to understand that the early church was steeped in the Old Testament writings. The New Testament books and epistles were in the process of being written and passed around, but had not yet been formulated into what we now know as the Bible. When one studies prophecy it is crucial to look at the Old Testament prophets as well. Perhaps the one book that is absolutely necessary to a proper understanding of end time events is the book of Daniel. His visions of the end time events are referred to by Jesus, and form much of the background for the book of Revelation. 

     In Daniel chapter 12 we read of a time of trouble coming upon the world. Such trouble the world had never seen up to this point (compare Jesus' statement in Matt 24: 21).

     "At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt" (Daniel 12:1-2 NKJV)

     And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?" Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished (Daniel 12:6-7 NKJV).

     Daniel links the start of the great tribulation with the standing up of the arch angel Michael. What Michael does is not apparent here, but there is a link non the less. I also quoted verses 6 and 7, highlighting the words "time, times, and half a time". This phrase is found elsewhere in prophecy, and is interchangeable with forty two months, and 1260 days. What is revealed here, is that the time of the great tribulation is to last three and one half years. 

     Note also the mention of the resurrection of the dead. The various scriptures that mention the return of Christ, and the gathering of His people, also refer to the raising of the dead at the same time (1 Cor 15:52; 1 Thess 4:16-17). Notice here in Daniel 12 that the resurrection is placed at the end (see also Daniel 12:13). Again, this does not fit the idea of a pretribulational rapture. 

     We read in Revelation 12 of a war in heaven,

     And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon: and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." 

     Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev 12:7-17 NKJV).

     In this passage we read of a point in time when Satan is thrown out of heaven. I don't have all the answers, but apparently Satan has access to heaven (Job 1:6), but at some point he is defeated by Michael and his angels and cast out for good. He is filled with great wrath and pursues the woman who represents Israel (see Rev 12:1-6). Revelation 12 uses the symbols of the woman and a dragon with seven heads and ten horns to show how Satan has sought to destroy the male child (Jesus, the Messiah) through various empires throughout history, The time frame of this final assault is the last three and one half years of this age, when Satan is cast down to the earth. Notice again the reference to a time, times and half a time. This is the same reference as we saw in Daniel chapter 12, where Daniel prophecies of a time of trouble unrivaled in world history, We see here that a remnant of Israel finds protection in the wilderness, so the Devil, in his anger, seeks out her offspring who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. This group of people refers to Christians who will also suffer persecution on the earth at this point in history.

     We read of a beast, a mirror image of Satan, arising out of the sea in Revelation 13,

     Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority (Rev 13:1-2 NKJV).

     This is the emergence of the man of lawlessness and his kingdom. He receives his power and authority from Satan himself. Daniel has a vision of four kingdoms rising out of the great sea. In the Bible this refers to the Mediterranean sea. These kingdoms are represented by a lion, a bear, a leopard, and a dreadful beast unlike the others before it. (Daniel 7:1-7). This beast, in Revelation 13, is the fourth beast with ten horns, and is a conglomeration of the first three. Again, it is a mirror image of the dragon (Satan), with one difference. The dragon has crowns on his seven heads, while this beast has the crowns on it's ten horns. This signifies that this beast is the final world empire, consisting of ten united nations, under one wicked ruler. (Daniel 2:41-45; Rev 17:12-13). The world marvels after this beast,

     And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshipped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"  And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty two months. then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Rev 13: 3-8NKJV).

     This is the start of the great tribulation, We read here that the beast's authority is to last forty two months (Time, times, and half a time). He speaks blasphemous things against God. Daniel 7 records that a "little horn" rises out from among the ten horns on the fourth beast speaking arrogant words (Daniel 7:7-11). This horn makes war with the saints, and prevails against them for a time, times, and half a time, until the Ancient of Days comes and makes a judgement in favor of His saints (Daniel 7:19-27).

     This is the man of sin referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2: 3-4 who sits in the temple, exalting himself above God. This is also what Jesus refers to as the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet (Matt 24:15; Daniel 9:24-27). The restrainer has been removed, and the Antichrist is revealed. This is the midpoint of the 70th week of Daniel, also commonly referred to by many, as the seven year tribulation. 

     To sum up, something is restraining the man of lawlessness, but it cannot be the Holy Spirit through the Church. Paul clearly links the coming of the Lord and our gathering to Him, with the "Day of the Lord." He states that that day will not come until a great falling away from the faith occurs, and the man of sin, who exalts himself above God in the temple of God, is revealed. We see the activity of Michael linked to the start of the great tribulation (the final 3 and 1/2 years) in Daniel 12, and also of the war in heaven between Michael with his angels, against the Devil and his angels. Satan is cast down to the earth where mounts an unprecedented assault, through a beast empire against the people of God. At the head of this unholy empire is the Antichrist who has authority given to him by Satan, which is to last for 3 and 1/2 years.

     Is Michael the restrainer? I am not dogmatic about it; I believe he has something to do with this, but I do not claim to have all the answers. I do know from reading Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians however, that the Church will see the revealing of the Antichrist, when the restrainer is removed (2 Thess 2:3-8). There are abundant scriptures showing the presence of Christ's followers upon the earth, through the tribulation (Rev 7:9-17), until Christ's glorious appearing to gather His own, and destroy the lawless one (2 Thess 2:8).

      

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The Parable of the Fig Tree.

"Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summers is near. So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near-at the doors! Assuredly I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV

     

          Jesus makes a statement here that has been sometimes misunderstood, even twisted, by various people. I have run across Muslims using this to discredit the scriptures by claiming the biblical Jesus was a liar. Some anti-missionary rabbis have also turned to this with a similar motive. They wish to show that Jesus could not possibly be the Messiah. Once again, the aim is to paint Him as a liar. And then there is the eschatological position that all of the biblical end time prophecies were fulfilled in 70 AD, when Rome destroyed Jerusalem. 

     The statement in question is this, "Assuredly I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place." Therefore, it is claimed that Jesus was a liar, or false prophet because the generation of His day never lived to see His return. As for the view point, that these prophecies are now history, they claim that Jesus was merely speaking of judgement against Israel, and that happened in 70 AD. Of course Jesus did not literally return, with every every eye seeing Him, so I'm not entirely sure how they reconcile all of this, but anyway.

     So lets look more carefully at what Jesus is saying here, to find out what He means.  First all, remember what He has just finished saying. He has spoken of false messiahs bringing deception, wars and rumours of wars, famines, tribulation unlike anything the world has ever seen, cosmic signs, and then His visible return. 

     Now people have said that there have always been wars in various places, and the same for famines. What I look for here are specific wars that occur at the time of the appearance of a leader who turns out to be the antichrist. Middle eastern conflicts where an eventual coalition of ten Muslim nations where a leader emerges as its head ( Dan 7:23-24) would be what I look for. This would be that leader who makes some form of covenant with Israel for 7 Years( Dan 9:27). As the seals of Revelation are broken one by one, we will see these events take place. As this man rises to power we will see conflicts, economic disaster and famine. Perhaps this is how the mark of the beast comes into existence. Then at the midpoint of the 70th week of Daniel's prophecy this man will be revealed for who he really is and what is known as the great tribulation will be underway (Daniel 7:20-25, 9:27).

     So what we need to understand is this. Jesus was describing the events leading up to His visible return. Included in this are the cosmic signs. The sun will be darkened, and the moon will turn blood red. We will see stars falling from the sky. Then He will return. Jesus was not saying that His generation would be the ones to see His return. He was telling us that the generation to be alive when these various signs began to take place, would be the generation to see His return. In Luke's gospel he says, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near" (Luke 21:28 NKJV).

     As one continues to read on, Jesus uses several parables to teach us to be ready for His return. In two places He leaves the impression that it might be a long time (Matt 24:48, 25:19). In both instances a man leaves for a while, places servants in charge, and is a long time in returning. Now did Jesus mean for us to understand that He might be a while in coming again? It could very well be. At any rate He has not returned yet, so it is up to us to be faithful and ready for His return. He tells us that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words will not. Context is everything when studying scripture, and by taking this passage as a whole (Matt 24-25), and not a verse here and there, a more accurate conclusion can be reached.

He Who Overcomes

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me

you may have peace. In the world you will have 

 tribulation: but be of good cheer, 

I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV)

     The bible is filled with admonitions to overcome. As followers of Christ, we face perils of all kinds. There is the world and all of its temptations, the lust of the eyes, of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). The Christian will face hatred and persecution for their faith in Jesus (John 15:18-21). Just as the world did to Jesus, they will do to His followers as well. We understand from the scriptures that perilous days will come (2 Tim 3:1-5). False teachers and deception has, and will continue to abound (Matt 24:4, 24; Acts 20:29-30; 2 Peter 2:1). Ultimately, Satan prowls around as a lion, seeking someone to devour (2 Peter 5:8; Rev 12:7-12).

     In the seven letters to the churches found in the book of Revelation we see a variety of pitfalls that have been prevalent for the last two thousand years of church history. We see the cold formal church, doing the right things, but lacking love (Rev 2:1-7).

     Then there is the church undergoing persecution, found in Revelation 2:8-11. Compromise with sin and doctrinal error have persisted as well, as we see in the letters to the church in Pergamos (Rev 2:12-17), and Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29). One thing that is worth noting here is the fact that several of these churches were doing right things, they had those who were faithful, yet the fact that error and compromise was allowed, was in effect destroying their spiritual life, and consequently their witness before the world. 

     We go on to read of a church that was busy, they had a reputation of being an alive, perhaps vibrant church, but the reality was, they were dead (Rev 3:1-6)! Then there was a faithful church, in spite of everything they faced, they persevered in standing true to Christ (Rev 3:7-13). 

     Perhaps the church everyone is the most familiar with is the "lukewarm church" of Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22). This church thought they were in great shape, but they did not realize their spiritual poverty. they were self sufficient and proud, and did not realize that God was about to spit them out of His mouth.

     The common theme found in each of these letters is the call to overcome.  The lack of love, compromise with sin, doctrinal error, persecution, spiritual deadness, and lukewarmness, had to be overcome. The simple truth is that we are overcome by the things we do not overcome! We read in closing chapters of Revelation, who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son (Rev 21:7 NKJV).

     I would like to stress here that I am not advocating a works salvation where we earn God's favor. However, Jesus came to set us free from our sin, and how saved are we, if we willingly remain in it? Once again, we are overcome by what we do not overcome!

     Peter warns of those who once escaped the bondage of this world, through the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and then were once again entangled and overcome  (2 Peter 2:19-20). You are overcome by what bring you into bondage!

     Jesus has the answer for us. We read that we overcome by the blood of the lamb, the word of our testimony, and our willingness to stand firm, even in the face of death (Rev 12:11). Thousands of Christians have faced persecution and death and remained faithful to the end. It has been said that the blood of the saints is the seed of the church, and I believe it. 

     John tells us, For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4-5)? Just as Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33), we too can overcome the world. By faith in Christ, a faith that goes beyond believing right things about Jesus, to a faith that ruthlessly follows Him, trusting Him to guide, give courage, and empower. Real biblical faith adheres to Christ through all circumstances, shunning error and compromise, and boldly standing firm to the very end. If we truly believe who Jesus says He is, then will He not remain faithful to His word? In His word we find promises to bring us through all manners of temptations and trials. He has made it possible for us to become partakers of His divine nature, granting us all that we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:2-4). 

     As His followers it is time to draw a line in the sand, to make that irrevocable choice to stand firm to the end. Be an overcomer.

     

 

The Return of Christ

     Jesus tells us that His return will follow the Cosmic signs in the sky at the end of the 3 1/2 years of tribulation. "And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other" (Matt 24:30-31 NASB).

     There are some common themes found in these verses that are repeated in other passages relating to the second coming of our Lord. In Daniel 7:13-14 we read of one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven, approaching the Ancient of Days to receive an eternal kingdom. Jesus also claims this passage to Himself when interrogated by the high priest (Mark 14:61-62). We also read of the coming day when Egypt will come under a "cruel master" (Isaiah 19:4). This chapter foretells of the suffering of Egypt, and their ultimate redemption as they turn to the Lord in their time of distress. It begins with the LORD coming on swift cloud (Isaiah 19:1), ultimately placing this in the last days. Revelation 14:14-16 states, Then I looked, and behold a cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in your sickle and reap, for the time has come for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." So He who sat on the cloud  thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. (NKJV)  The return of Christ will be the time when the saints are gathered to Him.

   Jesus tells us that when the sign of the Son of man appears in the sky, all the tribes of the earth will mourn. Revelation 1:7 agrees with this. Behold He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him, so it is to be. Amen. This verse is taking from Daniel 7:13, and Zechariah 12:10, which reads, "I will pour out on the house of of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and supplication, so they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn."  The appearance of Jesus in the sky will certainly cause grief and mourning for those who are caught unaware, who are not spiritually ready to meet Him. However, it will be a day of salvation for the surviving remnant of Israel, who at the end of the brutal tribulation, will have their hearts open to receive their Messiah, the one whom they pierced at the time of His first coming to earth. God will pour out on them a Spirit of grace and supplication, they will repent with great sorrow at this time and so "All Israel will be saved." (Romans 11:26)

     And we read of the voice of the angel, and the trumpet blast in the epistles of Paul. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed (1Cor 15:52 NASB). 

     For the Lord Himself descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the arch-angel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord (1 Thess 4:16-17 NASB).

     John saw this in his revelation of Jesus Christ, Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will be delay no longer, but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets (Rev 10:5-7 NASB).  

     Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever." (Rev 11:15) These verses quoted out of Revelation are in the context of the angels with the seven trumpets. This is speaking of the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the same trumpet Paul refers to in his epistles, and what Jesus speaks of in His teaching on the end of the age. This is the trumpet blast that is sounded at the return of Christ.

     It is in Revelation 19 where we read of Christ's return, and the events that occur at that time. this is a subject I will explore in future posts. Let us all find ourselves ready to "Stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36).

Fear or Faith

      The last days will be a time of great trial upon the earth. We have looked at the teaching of Jesus concerning the time of the end, comparing it to the breaking of the seals in the book of Revelation. Up to this point we have briefly discussed deception, wars, famines, persecution, and the signs in the heavens that will precede the second coming of Jesus.

     Jesus, at the close of His parable on prayer found in Luke 18:1-8, asks a question that we all should seriously ponder. "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" This parable closes with the mention of the elect crying out to God for justice, and His faithfulness to carry it out (Luke 18:7-8). Revelation 6:9-10 tells of the martyred saints crying out to the Lord for judgement, and an avenging of their blood, upon those who dwell upon the earth. I think this is no accident, and Jesus is teaching us that persistent prayer is linked to faith, and that it is, and will be absolutely necessary to make it through the time of sorrow coming upon the world. 

     "But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man" (Luke 21:36 NASB). At first glance many may think this is a reference to a pre-trib rapture, hoping that we as Christians will not experience any of these events. But why pray that we will have strength to be raptured? It makes no sense. Jesus is telling us that in light of all the chaos taking place around us, the persecution, the deception, apostasy, natural disasters and cosmic signs, we must have an unwavering faith. "By your endurance you will gain your lives" (Luke 21:19). "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved" (Matt 24:13). "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be my son" (Rev 21:7).

     Contrast this with the unbelieving people of this earth, great and small, who hide themselves from the wrath of God, calling for the mountains and rocks to cover them from His presence (Rev 6:15-17). Jesus tells us that men will faint from fear as all these things are happening (Luke 21:26). But as for those of us who love Him, and long for His appearing (2 Tim 4:8), when we see these things taking place, we must look up for our redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28).

Cosmic Signs

     Continuing on in the Olivet discourse Jesus states,

     "But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken" (Matt 24:29NASB). 

     Jesus refers here to several old testament passage that portray the same events set to occur at the "day of the LORD".  Isaiah 13 contains a prophecy against Babylon, the nation that was to carry the people of Judah into exile. Although this exile was due to Judah's apostasy, yet God would judge Babylon for its cruelty. This prophecy, although fulfilled in part when the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon, telescopes out to the future, and the day of the LORD.

     Wail for the day of the LORD is near! It will come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man's heart will melt. They will be terrified, pains and anguish will take hold of them; they will writhe like a woman in labor, they will look at one another in astonishment, their faces aflame. Behold the day of the LORD is coming, cruel, with fury and burning anger, to make the land a desolation; and He will exterminate its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light.  Thus I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will also put an end to the arrogance of the proud and abase the haughtiness of the ruthless. I will make mortal man scarcer than pure gold and mankind than the gold of Ophir. Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken from its place at the fury of the LORD of hosts in the day of His burning anger (Isaiah 13:6-13 NASB).

     I have underlined the sections that Jesus refers to in Matthew 24. Again, the context of this portion of Isaiah 13 is the day of the LORD, and Jesus links this with His return.

     Isaiah 34 also foretells the time of God's wrath and indignation upon the nations and their armies (Isaiah 34:2). At this time All the hosts of heaven will wear away, and the sky will be rolled up as a scroll; all their hosts will also wither away as a leaf withers away from the vine, or as one withers from the fig tree (Isaiah 34:4 NASB). 

     Now let's look at the breaking of the sixth seal in Revelation chapter six. This event is set to occur after the martyrdom unleashed by the breaking of the fifth seal. This agrees with the statement of Jesus we read above (Matt 24:9). I grew up with the teaching of a pre-trib rapture. Part of my understanding was that the moon was to turn dark red before this event occurred. Yet we see here that this idea is actually wrong, it does not agree with Jesus' teaching, or the words of this chapter either. We actually find that the bible teaches the opposite here.

     I looked when he broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places (Rev 6:12-14 NASB).

     This passage of scripture also draws from the old testament. Notice the quotation of Isaiah 34:4 here. The book of Joel is also quoted,

     "I will display wonders in the sky and on the earth, blood, fire and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes" (Joel 2:30-31 NASB). 

     This verse is found in a passage foretelling the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter quotes from this passage on the day of Pentecost, explaining to the people what it was they were seeing and hearing (Acts 2:14-21). Peter's focus was on the signs that accompanied the filling of the Holy Spirit, but this prophecy, like so many others, looks also to the distant future and finds its final fulfillment at the end of this age. 

     Scripture interprets scripture. You will find a continuity between the books of the bible, both old testament and new. It is fascinating to see the number of old testament quotes found in the new testament. The book of Revelation relies heavily upon old testament imagery. I would recommend to everyone who seeks to study scripture, and in this case, prophecy, that you use those cross references that many bible's contain. You will find these things spoken of throughout the word of God.

     

     

      

Tribulation

"Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, 

and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.

At that time many will fall away and will betray one another 

and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will

mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most

people's love will grow cold. But the one who endures

to the end, he will be saved." (Matt 24:9-13 NASB)

When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice

of the fourth living creature saying, "Come."

I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it

had the name Death; and Hades was following with him.

Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth,

to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence

and by the wild beasts of the earth. 

When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath

the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of 

the word of God, and because of the testimony which they 

had maintained. (Rev 6:7-9 NASB)

     This is most likely at the mid point of the "70th week of Daniel" (Dan 9:25-27), where the Antichrist breaks a covenant he makes with Israel, and unleashes his fury against them. Other passages that correspond to this point in time are found in Daniel 7:7-8, 20-21, 24-25, which speak of the rise of the "little horn" who persecutes the saints of the Highest One for "a time, times, and half a time" (31/2 years). This is also mentioned in Daniel 8:23-26, and Daniel 11:31-36, where we see the abomination of desolation is set up, something Jesus warns us about as well in Matthew 24:15-22, as the point when the great tribulation begins. According to Jesus, this period of time will be a horrific time unlike any other that has been, or will be (Matt 24:21-22), and for the sake of the elect, it will be shortened.

     We read in Revelation 12:7-17 of a war in heaven, where the serpent, also called Satan, is cast down to the earth. This results in a time of terrible persecution against Israel, and upon Christians as well (see Rev 12:17). Again, in verse 14, we read that this time of tribulation lasts for a time, times, and half a time. Just like we read in Daniel 7, it is for a time frame of 3 1/2 years. 

     Revelation 13 speaks of the rise of the "beast", which is not only the Antichrist, but also his kingdom, made up of ten nations. It is my belief that at the point Satan is cast down to the earth, he enters this Antichrist and uses the "beast" as an agent of his wrath. 

     Here we read of the beast given a mouth speaking blasphemy (see also 2 Thess 2:3-6), and authority for 42 months, or 3 1/2 years (Rev 13:4-7). Just as we saw in Daniel's prophecy, this beast will make war with the saints and overcome them, and just as Jesus stated, It will be the one who endures to the end who will be saved (Matt 24:13).

     Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, 

"Now the salvation, power, and the kingdom

of our God and the authority of His Christ

have come, for the accuser of our brethren

has been thrown down, he who accuses them

before our God day and night.

And they overcame him because of the 

blood of the Lamb and because of the word 

of their testimony, and they did not love 

their life even when faced with death."

Revelation 12:10-11 NASB.