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.