June 2014

"Mark 13…"

June 30, 2014

“Mark 13…”

Blessings folk!

One more look at the example that Jesus gave.

Remember, it is always good to receive the full counsel of the Word of God.
Check all the gospels to see what they say...there are usually nuances of understanding and revelation to be gleaned.

Mark 13:28-31
28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.
29 S
o also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
30 T
ruly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
31 
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.


Reflect upon what Jesus is saying.
He tells us that what we see in the natural guides us.
When a branch becomes tender...juices are flowing...then puts out leaves…
By this, we can be certain that summer is near.

A fact of life.
We see it.

The same to “this generation”.
The generation that see all these things that the Lord had mentioned earlier will know that His return is near...at the very gates...literally happ’n!

We await the return of the Lord.
Not in the unbiblical “imminent” understanding taught by so many today.
Rather, with the understanding that we are Kingdom vessels place in such a time as this for the purposes of the Most High.

When the sun, moon and stars go dark...then the Lord is near...at the gates...imminent.

Until then...press on in the Power and Presence of the Most High.




"The Kingdom of God Is Near…"

June 29, 2014

“The Kingdom of God Is Near…”

Blessings folk!

Let us look at the Luke passage related to “this generation”…

Luke 21:29-33
29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees.
30 
As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near.
31 
So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.
32 
Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.
33 
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.


In this passage we see the same thing we saw in Matthew, a parable of a fig tree.
It teaches us that we can know the season of the Lord’s return, though we will not know the day/hour.

Matthew tells us that when we see all these thing we will know that He is near, at the very gates.

Luke tells us that when you see these things taking place we will know that the Kingdom of God is near.

Jesus’ return manifest the Kingdom of God.

The generation that sees all this will not pass away...speaks of how rapidly things will occur.
Heaven and earth will pass away.
A new heaven and a new earth is to come.

But, the Words of the Lord will not pass away.

Cling to His Word.
Know His Word.

"This Generation Will Not Pass Away…"

June 28, 2014

“This Generation Will Not Pass Away…”

Blessings folk!

Jesus now gives a parable style insight as to the timing of His return.

Matthew 24:32-35
32 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near.
33 
So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.
34 
Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.
35 
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.


What is Jesus saying?

He is telling that we will know the season when these things will occur.
True, as He will say in the next verse, only Father knows the timing, but we can know the season.

What is “the season”?
When we see all these things.

All the false christs.
All the wars.
All the rumors of wars.
All the famines.
All the earthquakes.
All the tribulation.
All the turmoil in the sea.
All the darkness when the sun, moon and stars are blackened.

When these occur, then that generation will not pass away until all is complete.
He will be near.
He will be at the very gates.
Gates?

Things will happen rapidly.

The Word of the Lord will not fail nor pass away.

Be ready.

...to be continued...

"The Answer…"

June 27, 2014

“The Answer…”

Blessings folk!!

We have looked in Matthew and Luke at the response that Jesus gave to the disciples questions.

Today, spend a moment to read the entire account from Mark.
This is an overview of what we have seen.
Watch for the commands:
“See to it…”
“Do not be alarmed…”
“Be on your guard…”
“Do not be anxious…”
“Endure to the end…”
“when you see the abomination of desolation...those in Judea flee…”
“...do not believe it…”
“Be on guard…”


Mark 13:3-27
3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
4 “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?”
5 And Jesus began to say to them, “
See that no one leads you astray.
6 Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray.
7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet.
8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains.
9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.
10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.
11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.
12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death.
13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
14 “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out,
16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak.
17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!
18 Pray that it may not happen in winter.
19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.
20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.
21 And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.
22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.
26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Remember, He told us beforehand.


"Gathered"

June 26, 2014

“Gathered”

Blessings folk!

When the sun, moon and stars go dark...lift up your heads, your redemption is drawing near!

Now, read what happens next…

Matthew 24:29-31
29 “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.
30 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.
31 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.


“And then…”

Everything goes dark within the heavenlies...then…
The sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.

What is this sign?

Read further…

Note how the tribes of the earth will react…

  • mourn

When?
When they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.

The sign is the Lord Himself coming as described.

From darkness comes forth the brilliance of the power and great glory of the Lord.

This is the sign.

The Lord will send forth His angels with a great trumpet.
The angels will gather His elect from the four winds.
The gathering...the rapture.

Yes.
The rapture comes immediately after darkness comes.

As we will see, on the same day that the elect are gathered to the Lord, the Lord begins releasing His wrath - the Day of the Lord.

In a manner of speaking it can be said that the rapture of the church initiates the Day of the Lord.

The rapture cuts short the great tribulation - satan’s wrath against Israel and the church.
The rapture initiates the Day of the Lord - the wrath of God agains unbelieving mankind.

Are you ready to be gathered?
Do not wait until the sun, moon and stars go dark...

June 25, 2014 “Life Up Your Head…” Blessings folk! Yesterday we saw the passage in Luke 21 that gives more insight into Matthew 24. Now, give close attention to the next two verses. Luke 21:25-28 25 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Many, if not most, of us are familiar with the phrase “lift up you heads, because your redemption is drawing near”. We sing it. We look toward it. Many believe that the time to “lift up our heads” is imminent...could occur any moment. But, the Word says otherwise. The Word reveals that something else occurs prior. The sun, moon and stars will go dark...activity in the heavenlies. The nations will be dismayed...activity on the earth. The powers of the heavens will be shaken. “Imminency”...as a “doctrine of man”….dictates that there is “nothing that needs to occur before the return of the Lord.” These passages teach otherwise. Who will you believe? The passionate, personal orator/writer… Or the Word of God? They...the earth dwellers as they are called in Revelation...will see the Son of Man coming. Coming in a cloud. Coming with power. Coming with great glory. Verse 28 is revealing. When these things begin to take place...when things go dark in the heavenlies...then, we are to: straighten up lift up your heads Why? Because it is at this point that our redemption is drawing near. Redemption is imminent. Straighten up? Lift up your heads? Sounds as if Believers will be “laying low”. They will. Why? The great tribulation. The Man of Lawlessness manifesting the wrath of satan upon Israel and the church. Are you ready? Do you think “oh, we will be outta here before all that?” The Word states otherwise. Prepare. "Lift Up Your Head…"

June 25, 2014

“Lift Up Your Head…”

Blessings folk!

Yesterday we saw the passage in Luke 21 that gives more insight into Matthew 24.

Now, give close attention to the next two verses.

Luke 21:25-28
25 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,
26 
men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
27 
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”


Many, if not most, of us are familiar with the phrase “lift up you heads, because your redemption is drawing near”.

We sing it.
We look toward it.

Many believe that the time to “lift up our heads” is imminent...could occur any moment.

But, the Word says otherwise.
The Word reveals that something else occurs prior.

The sun, moon and stars will go dark...activity in the heavenlies.
The nations will be dismayed...activity on the earth.
The powers of the heavens will be shaken.

“Imminency”...as a “doctrine of man”….dictates that there is “nothing that needs to occur before the return of the Lord.”

These passages teach otherwise.
Who will you believe?
The passionate, personal orator/writer…
Or the Word of God?

They...the earth dwellers as they are called in Revelation...will see the Son of Man coming.
Coming in a cloud.
Coming with power.
Coming with great glory.

Verse 28 is revealing.

When these things begin to take place...when things go dark in the heavenlies...then, we are to:

  • straighten up
  • lift up your heads

Why?
Because it is at this point that our redemption is drawing near.
Redemption is imminent.

Straighten up?
Lift up your heads?

Sounds as if Believers will be “laying low”.
They will.
Why?
The great tribulation.
The Man of Lawlessness manifesting the wrath of satan upon Israel and the church.

Are you ready?
Do you think “oh, we will be outta here before all that?”
The Word states otherwise.

Prepare.


"Fear and Expectation"

June 24, 2014

“Fear and Expectation”

Blessings folk!

We have seen that Jesus told us that cosmic events would be associated with the end of the great tribulation.

Here is more…

Luke 21:25-26
25 “There will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, in perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves,
26 
men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.



There will be signs in sun, moon and stars.
Dismay will be upon the earth.
The earth...those on the earth...will be perplexed at what will be happening to the sea and waves.
Men will faint from fear.
Men will faint from the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world.
The powers of the heavens will be shaken.

We see that the events are not hidden.
We see that men know what is happening...what to expect.
We see that the heavens and men are shaken.

What is occurring?

"Immediately After the Tribulation of Those Days…"

June 23, 2014

“Immediately After the Tribulation of Those Days…”

Blessings folk!

As I mentioned earlier, the Lord gives us much detail in reply to the disciples questions.
Sad it is that so many do not simply examine the Word to see what will occur.

Each verse is of profound importance, especially the Words of the Lord.

If you do not remember the flow of Jesus’ discussion, then review the previous posts.

Now, give close, close attention to the next verse…

Matthew 24:29
29 “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.


There will be a great tribulation.
This tribulation will be the man of lawlessness/the antichrist pouring forth his wrath upon Israel and the church - the woman and her offspring from Revelation 12.
So many professing Believers have the understanding that the church will be spared this wrath of satan.
No.
Satan will not pour for his wrath upon his own...the world.
The church will be one of the primary targets.
We are promised to be spared the wrath of God.
We are told we will endure the wrath of satan.

This verse tells us that immediately after the tribulation that there will be cosmic disturbances. An examination of the totality of the Word reveals that the cosmic disturbances are what truncate the tribulation.
The sun will darken.
The moon will not give its light.
The stars will fall from the sky.
And, then the one folk always forget/ignore, the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Do not look for the Lord in the desert.
Do not look for Him in the “inner rooms”.
Do await His return knowing that there will be a cosmic black-out immediately before His return.

Many of the prophets in the Old Testament saw this day and spoke of the cosmic disturbances in relationship to the Day of the Lord.

John saw in the Revelation this exact event…

Revelation 6:12-13
12 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; 13 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 passages in Matthew, Luke and Revelation give us great certainty as to event and timing. We will look at Luke tomorrow.

The question for us today is this.
Are you ready?

The return of the Lord is not “imminent” in the manner spoken by so many.
But, we are to live in great expectancy of His return, know that dark, evil days will increase rapidly.

Such is occurring.
In Whom do you trust?

"Do Not Go"

June 22, 2104

“Do Not Go…”

Blessings folk!

Jesus told us in advance.
He told us much about many things.

The church today is too enamored with the teaching of man rather than the Truth of the Lord.
We see it on a daily basis.
It has become “strange” to emphasize the Lord and His teaching.

Jesus gives another warning as to what will occur.

Matthew 24:26-28
26 So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
27 
For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
28 
Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.


People will claim the Lord, the Messiah, etc. can be found in…

  • the wilderness… asceticism...don’t go out.
  • the inner room...meditation, “spiritual disciplines”, et. al. Do not believe it.

Jesus then tells what to look for…
“For as lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”

All the world will see, even as all can see lightning that breaks from east to west.
The Lord’s return will not be invisible.
It will be obvious, even as it is obvious that vultures gather around dead bodies.

For what are you looking?
If it is for anything other than the return of the Lord in the manner He described, then you are in error.

Be not so.
The Truth can be had.



"Do Not Believe…"

June 21, 2014

“Do Not Believe…”

Blessings folk!

Jesus tells us about the great tribulation.
He tells those in Judea what to do.
He tells us that the days will be so intense that even the elect might not be saved unless the days are cut short.
The days are cut short.
The Lord cuts them short.
(See previous posts for all these truths.)

Jesus continues in His instructing and warning.
Remember, He is expanding upon the panorama view that He gave in answering the disciples questions.

Matthew 24:23-25
23 Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him.
24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.
25 Behold, I have told you in advance.


Jesus begins with “then”...at this time...the time of the great tribulation...that false christs and false prophets will arise.

This picks up the first Word that He gave in answering the questions…”see to it that no one deceives you.”

We have a responsibility.
We must know the Truth.

Notice the strategy.
They will say “Behold, here is the Christ” or “There He is”.
The Lord tells us bluntly “do not believe him.”
All the world will know when the Lord returns...as we will see later.

These false christs/prophets will arise.
They will show great signs and wonders.
They will look powerful and amazing.
They will mislead most, if possible, even the elect...though that be not possible.

Then, Jesus’ declaration - “I have told you in advance.”
There is no excuse.
The Lord has warned us.
He has given a voluminous amount of information.
He will prepare and strengthen through His Word, Spirit and Body.

Again, there is no excuse.
Are you ready?



"Cut Short"

June 20, 2014

“Cut Short”

Blessings folk!

We saw yesterday that a great tribulation is coming unlike anything before, now, or afterwards.

Again, it is imperative that we simply learn the truths of the Word.
Not what man says.
Not what man thinks.
Not man’s interpretation.
The simple truth.

Therefore, read verse 21 again, then verse 22.

Matthew 24:21-22
21 For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.
22 
Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.


We learn more about the days of the great tribulation.
They will be cut short.
They will be truncated.

This is important in seeking to understand the timing of end-time events.

Know this.
The days will be cut short.
They are so intense that no life would be saved unless the days are cut short.

What/Whose life?
The days are cut short for the sake of the elect!
Ah!

So, the context shows us that it is the elect that is in focus.
Who are the elect?
Well, that is an extended study in itself - Believers and Jews..depends upon the context.

Who/What cuts it short?

We do well to check the parallel accounts in the other gospels…

Mark 13:19-20
19 For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will.
20 Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.


We see some about the “times”.
From the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will.
Hummm….God created. That seems clears.
The Lord shortens the days!
He chose the elect.
He shortens the days for their sake.

Luke 21:22-23
22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written.
23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people.


These are days of vengeance.
Vengeance on whose part?
To fulfill all that is written?
Hummm….that is interesting. These days will fulfill the prophetic Word of the Lord.
Distress upon the earth and wrath against this people.
There will be wrath released against this people - those in Judea and those on earth.

There is a time of great tribulation directly ahead.
It will be unlike anything that has ever been experienced in horror.
It will be so bad that even the elect might be deceived…save the Lord cut it short.
It will be a time of untold terror for those in Judea…

Are you prepared?

"A Great Tribulation"

June 19, 2014

“A Great Tribulation”

Blessings folk!

We saw yesterday that Jesus warned those in Judea to flee to the mountains when they see the abomination of desolation.

Read the passage again.
Note the intensity and the need for immediate action.

Matthew 24:15-20
15 “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.
17 
Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house.
18 
Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak.
19 
But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
20 
But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.


Must flee to the mountains.
Must not go down to fetch thing from the house.
Must not turn back from the field to get things.

Now, we will look at these truths in small segments.
Consider each.
Meditate upon them.
The Lord has given us much information.
Too often we glance over truth.

The next verse states…

Matthew 24:21
21 For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.


Give heed to every word/phrase.

“For then…”
When?
When you see the abomination of desolation and those in Judea are to flee.

What will occur?
There will be a great tribulation.
Is this The Great Tribulation of which we hear so much?
I believe so.
Can I prove it?
Yep.
Proof by the Words of the Lord.
He tells us that this Great Tribulation will be of the kind that has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.

This Great Tribulation is worse than all the evil acts prior to the time of the Great Tribulation.
This Great Tribulation is worse than anything after it.

Think on that.
Think on the evil of the current day.
Think on the evil of the near past.
Think on the evil of the distant past.

The Great Tribulation will be worse than any of these.

The question that always arises is “will I be here for the Great Tribulation?”
Or the statement is made, “I’m glad that we will not be here.”

What is the truth?

We will see.

Continue to press on in the Lord and in pursuit of His Kingdom and Righteousness.
We are being prepared for days to come.

"AOD"

June 18, 2014

“AOD”

Blessings folk!

After a little side excursion into Daniel we return to Matthew 24.
We read the Daniel passage to gain greater understanding about what Jesus meant when He quoted Daniel.

Now, read and give heed to what will occur…

Matthew 24:15-20
15 “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.
17 
Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house.
18 
Whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak.
19 
But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!
20 
But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.


What did Jesus tell “them” to do when they see the abomination of desolation?
First, who are “them”?
The disciples might have thought it was them.
They would have been correct.
But, the passage of time has proved that it was not the disciples.
It will be those who have ears to hear, eyes to see.
It will be Believers and Jews.
The abomination of desolation has yet to occur.

When it does, what should be the response?

Those in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Not should.
Must.
Jesus is telling those in Judea what to do.
Does this apply worldwide?
I do not think so at this time, though we will know and wonder.

Jesus speaks of the urgency involved in fleeing to the mountains…

  • if on housetop, do not go down into the house to get things
  • if in the field, do not return to get cloak
  • if pregnant or nursing, woe to you…why? Difficulty in traveling with infants.

Notice that we are to pray and intercede.
For?
That the abomination of desolation will not be in the winter nor on the Sabbath?
Why?
Again, difficulty in travel.

Jesus warns that the abomination of desolation will be horrific.
We will see more tomorrow...

For today…
Are you ready?
Are you ready by faith? If not, you are not ready.
Are you determined to live in the Spirit?

Extremely difficult days are just ahead.
Those who know their God will shine as the stars in the firmament and lead many to righteousness.
Be one.

"And He Will…"

June 17, 2014

“And He Will…”

Blessings folk!

We continue in Daniel 9…
Which came about because of a statement in Matthew 25…
Haven’t lost our “place” yet. Happy Happy

Daniel 9:27
27 And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”


We see that someone, “he”, will make a firm covenant with the many for one week.
In the middle of the week, “he” will stop sacrifice and grain offering.
“On the wing of abomination will come one who makes desolate”.
Complete destruction.
A destruction that is decreed.
It is to be poured out on the one who makes desolate.

He (antichrist/man of lawlessness) will make (affirm/confirm) a covenant with the many (Israel..perhaps also the world) for one week (7 years).

Now, let’s re-read with my annotation/understanding added...

In the middle of the week (3.5 years, 1260 days, 42 months, time times and half time) he (antichrist/man of lawlessness) will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering (meaning that the Jews will be sacrificing...not necessarily in the Temple...they could be sacrificing in a couple of weeks using a Mosaic Tabernacle) and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate (antichrist/man of lawlessness will “make desolate” the Holy of Holies by declaring Himself to be God), even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is pour out on the one who makes desolate (the antichrist/man of lawlessness will be destroyed)

As you see, the Lord gives us tremendous detail to what will occur.
There is much more to see.

Remember this.
The Lord is victorious.
On Whose side are you?

"Messiah…"

June 16, 2014

“Messiah…”

Blessings folk!

Seventy weeks have been determined - 490 years.

Determined for what?

Daniel 9:24-27
24 “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.
25 So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.
26 Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. 27 And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”


Determined for what was listed.

Without getting into the details, there is debate and varied options, the 7 weeks plus 62 weeks speaks of the time until Messiah, Jesus, would come.
It occurred just as the angel said.

Jerusalem was rebuilt...with plaza and moat.
It was a time of distress.

At the end of the 62 (69) weeks Messiah was cut off and have nothing.
Jesus was killed.

The people of the prince who is to come destroy the city (Jerusalem) and the sanctuary (Temple) in 70 A.D. (Do not jump to the conclusion that a particular “nation” is equivalent with “people groups”.)

Jesus made an end of sin, by faith in Him.
Jesus made atonement for iniquity, by salvation in Him.
Jesus brings in everlasting righteousness, if we believe Him.

The balance of the list will be fulfilled when Jesus comes again.
Transgression will be finished
Vision and prophecy will be sealed up.
The most holy place will be anointed.

One more thing for today.
You will note that we added another verse from what we had previously examined, v. 27.
Who is “he”?
What does “he” do?
For how long?

The end of time is quickly approaching.
Watch what is happening with Iraq/Iran/Syria.
Be not blind.
Seek the Lord.
He will reveal.






"70th"

June 15 , 2014

“70th

Blessings folk!

We saw yesterday that we are to know and discern that a period of time would pass from an issuing of a decree to rebuild Jerusalem…

Daniel 9:25-26
25 So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.
26 Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.


We had seen previously that 70 weeks were determined for Daniel’s people and the holy city.

Daniel 9:24
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.


70-69=1

There is a “week” somewhere else...a 7-year period.

One truth for today.

This “week” is the 70th Week of Daniel.
The last week.
It is a seven year period yet to come.

Often the week is called “The Tribulation Period”.
This is totally wrong.
The great tribulation does occur within the 7-year period, but the 7 years are not “The Tribulation Period” or “The Great Tribulation”.

People are simply sloppy in studying the Word.
Then, they apply man-made terms and treat them as if they were from the Lord.

Stick with what the Word says, not just what man says.
This requires each of us to know the Word.

Much is taught about the “end times”.
More is inferred and talked about.
Opinions are available by the thousands.
But, what sayeth the Lord?

"Know and Discern"

June 14, 2014

“Know and Discern”

Blessings folk!

Yesterday we saw that the Lord tells us that 490 years are determined…
  • to finish the transgression
  • to make an end of sins
  • to make reconciliation for iniquity
  • to bring in everlasting righteousness
  • to seal up the vision and prophecy
  • to anoint the most Holy

Most of us could likely make a biblically educated deduction to what these mean.
Let us hold back on that.
Simply observe the next two verses…they are packed.

Daniel 9:25-26
25 So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.
26 Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.


Look at the facts.

  • “You” are to know. This is speaking to Daniel and ultimately to us. How do I know? Because these events did not happen in the lifetime of Daniel. Some have already occurred. Some have not. The phrase “even to the end” infers some things. End of what?
  • We are to discern. These things can be known. The Lord has given us what we need to understand.
  • There will be a decree issued...another one. The first is from God and is the information that we are examining. This second decree will be by man. The decree will be to rebuild Jerusalem
  • The decree to rebuild Jerusalem begins a time element that relates to the coming of Messiah the Prince!
  • There will be “7 weeks” (49 years)
  • There will be “62 weeks” (434 years)
  • Jerusalem will be rebuilt...with plaza, with moat, even in times of distress
  • After the 62 weeks Messiah will be cut off and have nothing
  • And the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.
    • there is a prince to come
    • we know some of his lineage...his people
  • “Its” (city/sanctuary?) will come with a flood
  • even to the end there will be war
  • desolations are determined.

These things are determined.
God knows.

These verses give the prophetic timetable for the coming of the Lord, His death, the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple (which occurred in 70 A.D.) and the coming of the prince.

Are you ready?
Are you prepared in the Lord?
Do you know?
Are you seeking the discernment of the Lord?

By the way, did you notice that 7 weeks were determined...then 62 weeks...a total of 69 weeks.

But, Daniel had been told that 70 weeks were determined.
Hummmm….
70 minus 69 equals 1.
There is a “week” (7 year time period) remaining.
This time is properly referred to as the “70th week of Daniel”.
Now you know why...

"Determined: 490 Years"

July 13, 2014

“Determined: 490 Years”

Blessings folk!

A decree had been issued by the Most High God.
A period of 70 weeks would occur - 490 years.

That length of time is interesting.
The people of the Lord (the southern kingdom) had been in captivity for 70 years.
This was due to the fact they had not honored the sabbath rest of the land.
The Lord required that the land lay fallow every 7th year.
The Lord had made great promises of provision if the people honored his Word.
They did not.
They did not do so for 490 years.
They ignored 70 sabbath rests.
The Lord required a year in captivity for each sabbath ignored.

Now, that time was ending.
The Lord revealed to Daniel was to occur.

Daniel 9:24
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.


The 70 weeks were determined by the Most Hight.
They relate to Daniel’s people - the Jews - and the holy city - Jerusalem.

What is the purpose to the time period?
The Lord tells us that the 490 years are determined…

  • to finish the transgression
  • to make an end of sins
  • to make reconciliation for iniquity
  • to bring in everlasting righteousness
  • to seal up the vision and prophecy
  • to anoint the most Holy

Wow.

As a Believer your mind is likely rolling as to what each of these mean.
If not a Believer, you will likely have no clue. Happy

What transgression?
The end of sin?
Reconciliation between who?
Everlasting righteousness?
What is “the vision and prophecy”?
The most Holy? Some versions say most holy “place”?

These all provide an outline from the Lord for what would occur to His people and to the holy city.

It impacts us.
It explains what is occurring.

Seek the Lord.
He will continue to give revelation, illumination and enlightenment.

The next verse begins, “know therefore and understand…”

We can know.
We can understand.

"Decree…"

June 12, 2014

“Decree…”

Blessings folk!

Daniel had been seeking the Lord in prayer and supplication on behalf of himself and his people.

The Lord sent an angel in response.
The angel instructed Daniel.
The angel talked with Daniel.
The angel told Daniel that he was highly esteemed by God.
The angel told Daniel to give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.

Then the angel brought the message…
These four verses are foundational and of tremendous import in understanding what is to happen in “the last days”.
Read carefully…

Daniel 9:24-27
24 “Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.
25 So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress.
26 Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.
27 And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”


It would be good to take another moment and reread the passage…

This is a prophetic, panoramic view of the future.

A decree had been made.
By Whom?
The context would infer God.

The decree had a time element - 70 weeks.
The Hebrew states “70 units of 7”.
Examining the balance of the Scripture leads us to the understanding that this means 70 groups of 7 years.
So, 70 “weeks”...a week is a 7-year period.

The decree was for a particular people and place.
For your people - the Hebrews.
For your holy city - Jerusalem.
Remember, “you” is Daniel.

So, we and Daniel learn that 490 years have been decreed for the Hebrews and Jerusalem.

To what purpose?

...to be continued…

Meanwhile, remember, God knows.
God is in control.
He reveals what He desires.
May we have eyes to see and ears to hear.

"Hightly Esteemed…"

June 11, 2014

“Highly Esteemed…”

Blessings folk!

Gabriel the angel appeared to Daniel with a Word from the Lord.

Give heed to the first things the angel said…

Daniel 9:22-23
22 He gave me instruction and talked with me and said, “O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding.
23 At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.


The angel gave instruction to Daniel.
The angel talked with Daniel.

So simple.
So profound.

The angel came from the Most High to give Daniel insight with understanding.
Not just insight.
Insight with understanding.

Daniel learns that from the moment that he began to pray in supplication before the Lord that a command was issued.

The command was from the Most High God...
- For Gabriel to go to Daniel.
- To give Daniel insight.
- To give Daniel understanding.

Daniel hears that he is “highly esteemed” (greatly loved) in the eyes of God.

Gabriel then exhorts Daniel to…

  • give heed to the message
  • gain understanding of the vision

Do you give heed to the message that the Lord has given?
Do you know that as a Believer you are highly esteemed by the Lord?

May we live as Daniel did...in faith, in obedience, in pursuit of the Lord.
Who knows?
Perhaps the Lord will release His insight with understanding.
I think He desires such.

"Gabriel Interrupts…"

June 10, 2014

“Gabriel Interrupts…”

Blessings folk!

Daniel 9 is Daniel’s prayer for his people.

As he was praying, someone interrupted.

Note the details…

Daniel 9:20-21
20 Now while I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God in behalf of the holy mountain of my God,
21 while I was still speaking in prayer, then the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering.


We learn how Daniel prayed.
He was speaking aloud.
He was confessing his sin.
He was confessing the sin of his people, Israel.
He was presenting his supplication (plea) before the Lord.
He was doing so on behalf of the holy mountain of God.

He did not pray “at” his people because of their sin and rebellion.
Looking at the prayer will reveal that Daniel included himself.
He had sinned.
They has sinned.

As he prayed, “the man Gabriel” whom Daniel had seen in a previous vision came to Daniel.

Daniel was extremely weary.
It was late in the day.

...to be continued…
For now…

Do we pray in this manner for one another?
When was the last time that we prayed to the point of weariness?

"Full Counsel…"

June 9, 2014

“Full Counsel…”

Blessings folk!

We have been looking at the answer that Jesus gave the disciples to a couple of questions they had.

In the midst of the answer Jesus gave a comprehensive overview of the balance of time from that point forward.

Jesus then began to give more detail as to the days ahead.

He tells those who are in Judea to flee to the mountains when they see the “abomination of desolation which was spoken through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place”.

Yesterday we saw where Daniel mentioned the “abomination of desolation” - Daniel 11:29-35

To understand Daniel 11 one must understand the balance of the book, a worthy study for another time.

But, we must examine a portion of it.

This is a good example of why it is so important to get the total counsel of the Word of God.

Again, we must know the total Word of God - not just portions.

In Daniel 9, Daniel had been reading the Word of the prophet Jeremiah. He noted a time reference…

Daniel 9:1-2
1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of Median descent, who was made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans—
2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, observed in the books the number of the years which was revealed as the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet for the completion of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.


The desolations of Jerusalem would last 70 years.
Daniel realized the time was near fulfillment.

What was Daniel’s response?

Daniel 9:3
3 Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.


Daniel sought the Lord.
The next 20+ verses are the plead of Daniel before God.
This is how you pray for a nation.
(Perhaps we will examine it in a few weeks)

But, you say, what does this have to do with what Jesus was saying?

In response to Daniel praying, God sends an angel to speak to Daniel.
At the end of Daniel 9 the angel reveals what is to occur with the city (Jerusalem) and Daniel’s people.
The angel continues speaking through chapters 10 and 11.

So, that which is revealed about the “abomination of desolation” is a portion of what the Lord was communicating to Daniel...and us...through an angel.

We must see the big picture.

For today, is your response to situations to seek the Lord?
Or, do you seek the response of the flesh.

It is interesting that Daniel sought the Lord in the manner he did.
Why not shout in joy over the end of captivity?
Why not proclaim to the people that the time for release was near?

Because the people were not ready.
They were as bad as they were before the captivity...remember, they were captive due to disobedience to the Lord.

Are we any better?




"Abomination…"

June 8, 2014

“Abomination…”

Blessings folk!

We saw yesterday that Jesus told the disciples to understand what Daniel the prophet revealed…

Matthew 24:15
15 “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.


Read what Daniel said…

Daniel 11:31
31 Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation.


Forces from who?

Obviously the entire passage needs to be read...Daniel 11 is amazing.
It is a synopsis of what will happen to the land of Israel.
It is a story of the Kings of the North and the Kings of the South.

Take a moment and read the following slowly.
What do you see?

Daniel 11:29-35
29 “At the appointed time he will return and come into the South, but this last time it will not turn out the way it did before.
30 For ships of Kittim will come against him; therefore he will be disheartened and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action; so he will come back and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant.
31 Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation.
32 By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. 33 Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days.
34 Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy.
35 Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.

...to be continued...

"Let the Reader Understand…"

June 7, 2014

“Let the Reader Understand…”

Blessings folk!

After giving an amazing, succinct synopsis of the balance of history, Jesus then fills in some details as He answers the disciples questions.

Matthew 24:15
15 “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.


Jesus begins with “therefore”.
We always give close heed to “therefore”.
It draws a conclusion considering what had been previously discussed.
So, Jesus is drawing attention, specifically to “the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet…” in the context of what He had just said.

What is this “abomination?
We will look at that later.

For today note the things we see here.

Jesus told them that they would “see” something.
They were to look.
They were to pay attention.

Jesus called Daniel “the prophet”.
Jesus believed that Daniel was a prophet.
Most of current theological academia disputes this truth and does not agree.
They are in error.
This is really a common and amazingly profound error.
Theological academia (I’m painting with broad strokes here) generally do not believe in the things that Jesus confirmed.

They do not believe that Daniel was a prophet.
Jesus said he was.

They do not believe that Jonah was a real person with a real story.
Jesus said he was.

Matthew 12:39
39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet;


They do not believe that Noah was real and experienced a universal flood.
Jesus said it occurred.

Matthew 24:37-39
37 For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.
38 
For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
39 and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.


Jesus believed the truth of Daniel, Jonah, Noah...and other things denied by man - garden of Eden, marriage between man/woman, Adam/Eve, satan, evil, etc.

He told them to be aware when they see the abomination of which Daniel the Prophet - not Daniel the historian - spoke.

We see some other things.
That which was spoken by Daniel would be “standing in the holy place”.
Hummm. That infers some things.

Jesus then tells what to do.

Those in Judea were to flee to the mountains when they saw this.

We are called to understand.
Jesus did not speak the “let the reader understand” line.
The Spirit led the gospel writers to write this emphatic, parenthetical command.
We are to understand.

Do you?

Understanding will be developing…hang on! Happy








"Endure…and Then the End"

June 6, 2014

“Endure...and Then the End”

Blessings folk!

Remember, Jesus is responding to two questions from the disciples…
When will these things occur?
What will be the sign of Your coming again and the end of the age.

Jesus responded with a brief, panoramic overview of the balance of time from that point forward.
Jesus instructs - see to it that you are not misled nor frightened.
Jesus foretells what will happen - tribulation, hatred, murder of Believers, people will “fall away”, betrayal, false prophets, lawlessness and love growing cold.

Then this Word….”But…”

Matthew 24:13-14
13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
14 
This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.


But…”
A contrast.
The one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
We are not saved by enduring.
The fact that we endure is evidence that our faith is real...we are saved.
It is the Lord and the faith we have in Him which enables us to endure - now and in the future.

We see that “this gospel” of the Kingdom will be preached to the whole world as a testimony to all the nations.
How will this occur?
Yes, we are to testify and proclaim the gospel.
The Lord has sent us forth.
The Lord will also do this…

Revelation 14:6-7
6 And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people;
7 and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”


All the earth will hear the gospel.
Then, the end.

Thus ends the panorama...take a moment and read it again…

Matthew 24:1-14
1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.
2 And Jesus said unto them,
See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, T
ake heed that no man deceive you.
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
11 
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
12 
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
13 
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
14 
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.






"They Will…"

June 4, 2014

“They Will…”

Blessing folk!

The disciples questions:

When will these things happen?
What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?


Jesus’ response:

See to it that no one misleads you.
See to it that you are not frightened.


There will be increased attempts at deception.
There will be increases in wars and rumors of wars.
There will be famines and earthquakes.

Look carefully at what the Lord says next…

Matthew 24:9
9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.


A timing element - “then”.
As deception, war and phenomenon in nature increase…

Then “they”...who is “they”?
Those of the world...many who will describe themselves as “religious” and “people of faith”.

“They” will deliver you to tribulation.
Who is “you”?

The Lord is speaking to four of His apostle/disciples.
But, the context allows for more than the immediate listeners to be included.
Also, since we are many generations removed from this discourse, we can know that it applies to a time yet future. (Many of the things we have yet to examined have not occurred)

They...the unbelievers...will deliver you...the Believers...to tribulation/affliction.
This is not “the great tribulation”. That is addressed later in the passage.
It simply means that Believers will undergo persecution.
Yes, Believers have endured such from the beginning.
But, remember, Jesus is answering their questions.
He is addressing a time yet to come.

Jesus tells us that…
- tribulation will come.
- they will kill us.
- we will be hated by all nations.

Why?

Because of His name.
Because we rest and trust in Him.
Because we do not and will not deny Him.

Jesus tells us what is to occur.
In Him we can endure.
Outside of Him we will fail.

Determine now where you will stand.



"…Rise Against…"

June 3, 2014

“...Rise Against…”

Blessings Folk!

When will these things happen?
What will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?

These were the disciples questions.

Jesus began His answer...an extended answer...with two declarations of responsibility.

  1. See to it that no one misleads you.
  2. See to it that you are not frightened.

We must know the Truth of the Lord so as to not be mislead.
We must not be frightened.

Abiding in the Lord will protect from fear.

What did Jesus reference as the source of fear?

Matthew 24:6
6 You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.


Wars and rumors of wars.
They have always been.
They will increase.
But, they are not the end.

Matthew 24:7-8
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes.
8 But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.


Nations against nations.
Kingdoms against kingdoms.

The word translated “nations” is “ethnos”.
It speaks of people groups, tribes.

The word translated “kingdoms” is “basileia”.
It speaks of kingships, dominions, the right and authority to rule a kingdom.

There will be increase between strife is what we call “races”.
There will be increase in conflict between nations.
There will be increase in famines.
There will be increase in earthquakes.

Yet, all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.
Just the beginning.

What is being birthed?
We will let that answer simmer awhile… Happy Happy

For today, be not surprised as all these things occur.
The Lord...as He will say later in the passage...has told us beforehand.

Fear not.
Be prepared.

"Wars..."

June 2, 2014

“Wars…”

Blessings folk!

Jesus commanded us to see to it that no one deceives us.
Again, we have responsibility.

If we do not adhere to the Truth of the Lord we will be deceived.
Here is an example:
http://www.albertmohler.com/2014/06/02/there-is-no-third-way-southern-baptists-face-a-moment-of-decision-and-so-will-you/

Jesus then gave another “see to it”.
We are to see it that we are not frightened.

Read the following.
Of what are we not to be frightened?

Matthew 24:6
6 You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.


We are not to be frightened by wars and rumors of wars.

Such will take place. We will hear about it.
Such has always occurred beginning with Cain.

Note that Jesus says this thing “must take place”.

Wars and rumors of war are to be expected.
They are a part of the “end-times”.

But, they are not the end.

As we will see tomorrow, these are just the beginning.

Are you preparing?
Do you live in anxiety?
Do you succumb to fear?
Do you alter your consciousness to “deal with anxiety/fear/‘nerves’”?

It is only in the Lord that peace is found.
Practice the Peace and Presence of the Lord today.

"Many Will Come…"

June 1 2014

“Many Will Come…”

Blessings folk!

We saw yesterday that the first thing Jesus said in response to the disciples questions was a command.

Now, read why the Lord brought the warning.

Matthew 24:4-5
4 And Jesus answered and said to them,“See to it that no one misleads you.
5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.


Jesus commanded/instructed them to see to it that no one mislead them.
The same applies to us.

We have responsibility.
We cannot rest on others.
We are responsible to be not misled.

Verse 5 begins with “for”...referring back to verse 4.
Jesus tells what will occur.
Many will come in the name of the Lord and mislead many.
These will say, “I am the Christ”.

This is usually interpreted as meaning that many false people will come proclaiming that they are The Christ.
True enough.
This has happened for all time.
It will increase in the last days.
I believe that this is likely primary meaning.

But, something else struck me years ago that might also be a secondary (primary?) understanding.

Many will come along and accurately state that Jesus is the Christ.
Yet, the same will mislead many.

Hummm….

I believe both are accurate.

Remember from yesterday….
We can “see to it”…

By abiding in the Lord.
By knowing the Word of the Lord.
By walking in the Spirit.
By functioning properly as the Body of Christ.

Beware, many false folk are without.
Beware, more false folk are within.
I see the “within” on almost a daily basis. They profess to teach, preach, etc., yet they do not know the Word. They think what they are saying is Truth, yet it is only partial truth that leads the sheep astray.
Such is dangerous and perverts the Body into what we see today.

Know the Word.
Know the Lord.
Be not misled.