David – Page 21 – Light In The Clouds

Comfort One Another With THESE Words

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Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thes 4:18)

This week’s article, and next week’s will talk about the second coming of Jesus. I can imagine how this might sound like science fiction to much of the world because of the many and diverse ways that the world’s denominated sources try to deal with it and explain it. It seems almost everyone has their own doctrine about this sometimes complicated subject. It is quite possible that most of us do have one thing in common. I think many of us can agree that yes, Jesus is coming again. But how many of us can agree on anything else? Some say it will be a secret. Some say everyone will know when it happens. Others say they actually know exactly when Jesus will return. Yet others say no one can know. But there is a developing problem regarding the second coming of Jesus. Many people are starting to echo this verse, and Peter warns us about it:

This letter which I am now writing to you, dear friends, is my second letter. In both my letters I seek to revive in your honest minds the memory of certain things so that you may recall the words spoken long ago by the holy Prophets, and the commandments of our Lord and Savior given you through your Apostles. But, above all, remember that, in the last days, men will come who make a mock at everything, people governed only by their own passion and asking,

“What has become of His promised Return? For from the time our forefathers fell asleep all things continue as they have been ever since the creation of the world.”(2 Pet 3: 1-4, Weymouth)

It is clear that the subject of the second coming is not very clear to much of the world, including church-goers. People either don’t believe it’s going to happen, while others believe it will happen, but they cannot agree on how or when Jesus will come again. The first thing I would personally suggest about this idea of Jesus coming again is that there is something by which we can measure any belief that we think comes from the Bible. I got it from a preacher some years ago when I first became a Christian. I was confused about the many opinions and variations of this Bible prophecy on the second coming of Jesus and the first thing he said to me was

“David, the gospel is simply wonderful, and wonderfully simple.”

The prophecy about Jesus’ second coming actually does fit perfectly with this descriptor of being “wonderfully simple, and simply wonderful.” The way my church has described it in our fundamental belief is as follows: (with minor edits of grammar)

The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The prophecy of our Savior’s coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When Jesus returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. Currently, the almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. Fundamental Beliefs, 25

When my boys were little, they would often ask me questions. Very pointed questions. Questions that would come at the most inopportune times. Questions so pointed, that it would be impossible to defer the ‘answers” to some other time. One evening, my youngest asked me one such question. I was just tucking him in and he said

“Daddy, when will Jesus come so that all the days will be over?”

I was taken aback at this question. The depth and theological soundness of it had startled me in unexpected ways. Because after all, how much of this prophecy can a child really understand? How could my little one possibly know that his young heart’s desire has been the longing of the ages. The last words we see in the Bible give us the wonderful promise of the soon return of Jesus: but how did my little one know this? He was only 5 years old? Here is what the verse says:

“He who testifies and affirms these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev 22:20, AMP)

It is likely that the very first thing we can and really do need to understand about the second coming is about when it is going to happen.Lots of people think they know the “answer.”

Forget what Jehovah’s Witnesses say about how Jesus has already returned, (secretly, in 1914 and 1975 to name just some of the dates of their failed prophecy) because one quick look around us shows that clearly Jesus did not yet return, and the Bible does not support such beliefs! Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that Jesus Christ is never returning personally or bodily to the earth. What Christians commonly call the “second coming” of Christ, according to the Watchtower doctrine, is his invisible presence in a spiritual, figurative sense. All of this contradicts the Bible.(*1)

And don’t believe what Mormons teach that Jesus has already done a quick side trip to North America BEFORE this second coming of the Bible prophecy. (**2) That is just plain fiction and is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. I live in North America and I do not see any evidence that Jesus was here to fiddle around for a while in North America, contradicting His own prophecy in the Bible. And so the first thing to understand is really simple. No one can know the exact time Jesus will return.

And according to the Bible we cannot not believe the likes of Dr David Jeremiah who teaches a variation of the widely held beliefs of a secret rapture. (***3) The Bible clearly disproves this in Rev 1:7 and many other places:

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Many preachers come along and say things that we count as Gospel truth, just because of who they are, what we think they represent. Correctly understood in all its bearings, Bible prophecy is not based on any such “private interpretations:” Jesus says

I have come with my Father’s authority, but you have not received me; when, however, someone comes with his own authority, you will receive him.(John 5:43, GNB)

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Pet 1:20)

If anyone tells you that they know exactly when Jesus is coming, that is a private interpretation:

“But of that [exact] day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son [in His humanity], but the Father alone.(Mat 24:36 AMP)

It is a fact that one day Jesus will return, though even to the saints His coming will be an overwhelming surprise-for all slumber and sleep in their long wait (Mat 25:5).

Even if we are not quite agreed on the nature of the second coming, it is very clear that all are agreed that no one can tell us the actual time date or hour that Jesus is coming.

The Certainty of Christ’s Return

The fact that Jesus is coming again is agreed on by almost everyone so let us see if we can build on that from what the Bible teaches us. The apostles and other early Christians considered Christ’s return “the blessed hope” (Titus 2:13; Heb 9:28). They expected all the prophecies and promises of Scripture to be fulfilled at the Second Advent (see 2 Pet 3:13; Isa 65:17),

The second coming is the very goal of our Christian pilgrimage. The culmination of all Bible prophecy. The second coming is a part of HIS STORY, not history. All who love Christ look forward eagerly to the day when they will be able to share face-to-face fellowship with Him-and with the Father, the Holy Spirit, and the angels.

The day when the Lord comes again will surprise everyone like the coming of a thief. The sky will disappear with a loud noise. Everything in the sky will be destroyed with fire. And the earth and everything in it will be burned up. Everything will be destroyed in this way.

What kind of people should you be (while waiting for Jesus to come?)

Obviously, your lives should be holy and devoted to God.

You should be looking forward to the day of God, wanting more than anything else for it to come soon. When it comes, the earth will be destroyed with fire, and everything in the sky will melt with heat. But God made a promise to us. And we are waiting for what he promised—a new sky and a new earth. That will be the place where goodness lives. (2 Pet 3:10-13, ESV)

IF there was a “secret rapture” then why would the earth not be destroyed then?

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. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. (2 Thes 2:7-8)

Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. (Rev 1:7, Dan 7:13, Zech 12:10, John 19:37)

Here John carries us forward to the second advent of Christ in glory, the climax and crowning event of His intervention in behalf of this fallen world. Once Jesus came in weakness, now He comes in power; once in humility, now in glory. Jesus doesn’t come secretly. Jesus comes with clouds, every eye will see Jesus and in like manner as He ascended. (Acts 1:9; Acts 1:11.)

“Every eye shall see Him.” (Rev 1:7)

How much plainer can it be said? All who are alive at the time of His coming shall see Jesus. We know of no personal coming of Christ in Scripture that will be as the stillness of midnight or take place only in the desert or in the secret chamber. Jesus does not come as a thief in the sense of sneaking in secretly or quietly upon the world.

Jesus does come to take to Himself His dearest treasure, His sleeping and His living saints, Himself His dearest treasure, His sleeping and His living saints, whom He has purchased with His own precious blood; whom He has wrested from the power of death in a just, fair, and open conflict.

Jesus’ second coming will be no less open and triumphant. It will be with the brilliancy and splendor of the lightning as it shines from east to the west. (Mat 24:27.) It will be with the sound of a trumpet that will pierce to earth’s lowest depths, and with a mighty voice that shall wake the sainted sleepers from their dusty beds. (Mat 24:31, margin; 1 Thes 4:16.)

Yes, Jesus will come upon the wicked as a thief, only because they persistently shut their eyes to the clear signs in scripture of His approach, and will not believe the declarations of His word that Jesus is at the door. (Mat 24:33, Mark 13:29)

To represent two comings, a private and a public one, in connection with the second advent, as many modern-day preachers represent, is completely misleading and wholly unwarranted from the Scriptures. Such ideas are clear examples of the “private interpretations’ that we are warned against and in some cases may even be referring to the following text about one of the really disturbing signs of the last days:

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, (1 Tim 4:1, NKJV)

“They Also Which Pierced Him.”

They also (in addition to the “every eye” before mentioned) who were chiefly involved as the perpetrators of Christ’s death shall behold Him returning to earth in triumph and glory. But how is this? They are not now living, they are not now resurrected, and how then shall they behold Him when He comes? This question cannot be answered by “secret rapture” tenets.

We know that there will be a resurrection from the dead. This is the only possible avenue to life for those who have already been once laid in the grave. But how is it that these wicked persons who pierced Jesus come up at this time, since the general resurrection of the wicked does not take place until a thousand years after the second advent? (Rev 20:1-6.) Those that pierced Jesus are not alive now. Only the righteous who are alive, and who have died will be resurrected at Christ’s second coming. None of us who may be alive then when Jesus comes will ever go up to meet Jesus in those clouds before those righteous who have already been laid in the grave. We will all go up TOGETHER to meet Jesus “in the air:”

The Coming of the Lord

1Th 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
1Th 4:15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.
1Th 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

There are in the world today many who close their eyes to the evidences that Christ has given to warn men of His coming. They seek to quiet all apprehension, while at the same time the signs of the end are rapidly fulfilling, and the world is hastening to the time when the Son of man shall be revealed in the clouds of heaven.

Paul teaches that it is wrong to be indifferent to the signs which are to precede the second coming of Christ. Those guilty of this neglect he calls children of the night and of darkness. He encourages the vigilant and watchful with these words: “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” {AA 260.1}

Especially important to the church in our time are the teachings of the apostle upon this point. To those living so near the great consummation, the words of Paul should come with telling force: “Let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.” {AA 260.2}

References:

*1 “Shedding Light on Christ’s Presence,” Watchtower, May 1, 1993, 11

**2 see 3 Nephi, in Book Of Mormon

***3 https://davidjeremiah.
WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE LORD RETURNS?
This coming event is the first part of Christ’s two-part return to earth. First, He’ll remove the Church from the world. Second, seven years later, He’ll establish His Kingdom on earth.

Has Dr Jeremiah forgotten the following? 3 see Mat 24:33 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.(Mat 24:33, KJV) + Deut 13:1-3; Mark 13:21; Luke 17:23-24, Luke 21:8; John 5:43

Standing Far Off

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Why standest thou afar off, O Lord?” (Psalms 10:1.)

There are many things on my path unknown
So what if this journey seems hard to me
I don’t think that I travel the way alone
For the steps of Jesus now are all I see

We are promised that “God is a very present help in trouble.” (Psalms 46:1) But in my experience,Jesus permits trouble to pursue me, almost as if He were uncaring and indifferent to our problems, and the overwhelming pressure they present along our paths. Its almost like He is in the crucible with us, yet permitting the fiery trials, until I can recognize that I have no way to solve it, and that I finally say:

“OK Lord, I need You to help me with this.”

At the end of my rope, I then take the heavenly Lifeline of prayer from the loving Hands of Him who created me, and is leading me home. Jesus wants us to discover the “treasures of darkness,” the unmeasurable benefits of trials and sorrows, and pain:

I will give you treasures hidden in dark and secret places. Then you will know that I, the LORD God of Israel, have called you by name. (Isa 45:3, CEV)

I am now sure that He who permits the terrible suffering I am embroiled in is right here with me, right her in the middle of it. Just like He was with Daniels friends in the fiery furnace. (Dan 3:21,24)

Sometimes I don’t really notice His steps, His presence, until the trial is almost over, but I am choosing to step out today in faith and dare to believe that Jesus never leaves the fiery furnace as long as I am in it. (Heb 13:5) The fiery troubles may be so severe that my eyes are somehow blinded to the eternal verity of Jesus being that “present help in trouble.” Of Jesus being right here with me now.

It is interesting to note the situation when Daniel’s three friends were cast into that furnace. Because the furnace was heated to seven times its usual temperature, there was no hope of any kind with anybody that these three would be able to survive such a fiery trial. The King who sentenced them to the flames had this to say about it:

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” (Dan 3:24,25, ESV)

It is dark sometimes, in the midst of the fiery trials, too dark to see Jesus or anything or anyone that will help. But I praise God now that there is light in every cloud. The darkness holds treasures beyond my sight that I can never experience unless I go into the darkness and look for it.Not because of any good feelings, but strictly by faith. I know that Jesus is here. Jesus is deeply touched. His love and fidelity to me are unscathed, no matter what is going on. No, I do not physically see Jesus, as did those who beheld Him on the cross. But I talk to Jesus anyway, and these are the times when I get the clearest answers, the most amazing power, to still be a son of God.

“To them that received Him gave He power to be the sons and daughters of God.” (John 1:12).

It is always best to follow the example of Jesus, on the cross. The Bible says that in those final moments, it was very dark. (Mat 27:45). And Jesus, like me, could not see that God was there, could not see the hidden treasure in His darkness, that The Holy Spirit would soon resurrect Him after He died.There was simply no light to The Man Christ Jesus during that “ninth hour” when He cried out:

Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? That is, My God, My God, why have You forsaken me? (Mat 27:50)

At this moment in time Jesus, like the Psalmist in Psalms 10:1 was thinking that The Father was “standing afar off.” Jesus saw no hope, and could not detect God’s presence, the darkness was so overwhelming, yet Jesus chose to talk to God anyways; and he simply asked “why have you forsaken me?” And yet, in this eternal example to all of us today, right after Jesus said that, He also gave His heart and life over to God anyways:

“Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last.” (Luke 24:46, Message)

Jesus’ final words are from Psalms 31:5, where this is the prayer of trust from a righteous sufferer. Jesus exercised that faith here. His experience is to be ours.

If we take counsel with our doubts and fears, or try to solve everything that we cannot see clearly, before we have faith, perplexities will only increase and deepen. But if we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer is bending over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness. {SC 96.3}

When we speak to God in prayer, even though the prayer might seem desperate or desolate, we will assuredly realize His actual presence. (Heb 13:5) His presence, as with Jesus while on the cross may now be veiled, yet on the cross, the veil of the temple then was torn in two. It is during heart-felt open prayer to God in the direst circumstances where we experience the answering Voice which shows that Jesus is with us in the shadows, in the clouds, and in the fiery trials of this life.Truly, Jesus is just as close to us when we journey through the dark tunnel, as He seems to be under open sunny skies.

Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven. {SC 99.2}

The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation. {SC 94.2}

There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. He has promised, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received. Our great need is itself an argument and pleads most eloquently in our behalf. But the Lord is to be sought unto to do these things for us. He says, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” And “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32. {SC 95.1,2}

Perseverance in prayer has been made a condition of receiving. We must pray always if we would grow in faith and experience. We are to be “instant in prayer,” to “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2. Peter exhorts believers to be “sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7.

Paul directs, “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6. “But ye, beloved,” says Jude, “praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God.” Jude 20, 21. Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God. {SC 97.2}

Pray in your closet, and as you go about your daily labor let your heart be often uplifted to God. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. These silent prayers rise like precious incense before the throne of grace. Satan cannot overcome him whose heart is thus stayed upon God. {SC 98.3}

There is no time or place in which it is inappropriate to offer up a petition to God. There is nothing that can prevent us from lifting up our hearts in the spirit of earnest prayer. In the crowds of the street, in the midst of a business engagement, we may send up a petition to God and plead for divine guidance, as did Nehemiah when he made his request before King Artaxerxes. A closet of communion may be found wherever we are. We should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul. {SC 99.1}

Are tears coming down in the dark? Is the shadow too heavy to bear? Does God seem like he is standing afar off today?

Arise and go to your Father. He will meet you a great way off. If you take even one step toward Him in repentance, He will hasten to enfold you in His arms of infinite love. His ear is open to the cry of the contrite soul. The very first reaching out of the heart after God is known to Him. Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Even before the prayer is uttered or the yearning of the heart made known, grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is working upon the human soul. {COL 206.1}

Are We Living In The End Times?

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“Expect to witness amazing and perplexing signs throughout the universe with the sun, the moon, and the stars. The raging of the sea will bring desperation and turmoil to many nations. Earthquakes will bring panic and disaster. What men see coming to the earth will cause the fear of doom to grip their hearts, for they will even see the powers of the heavenly realm shaken!” (Luke 21:25-26, TPT)

Today, many people see what is happening in the world around us and they are afraid. Many are asking if we are now living in what the Bible calls the end times, or “time of the end” as spoken of in Bible prophecy. (Dan 8:17, Dan 12:9)

The purpose of this article is to briefly introduce the Bible’s case, that yes, we are indeed living in these end times now. The “time of the end” is shown by the following text, among others:

And I saw another mighty angel coming down out of the heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. And he had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the earth. (Rev 10:1-2, MKJV)

Rev 10 details about a mighty angel which is seen coming down from heaven with ‘” a little book” in their hands. And right at this time when the little book of said prophecy was to be examined and therefore would no longer be sealed. This little book is indeed the very same one as what the prophet Daniel had described in Dan 12:4

“But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased”

Rev 10:2 describes “a little book” as “opened” from which we may reasonably assume that the little book was at some point closed or “sealed.” We read in Daniel of a little book which was indeed closed and sealed until a very specific time: “the time of the end.” Since this “little book” was only closed or sealed until “the time of the end” then it would follow that this little book would then be opened when we reach that time. Because the closing of the little book is mentioned in Bible prophecy, it is also very reasonable to expect that in any predictions of events to take place during the “time of the end” the the opening of the little book should be one of those events predicted in Bible prophecy.

There is no other book spoken of anywhere in the Bible as “closed or ‘sealed,” except for this “little book” of Daniel’s prophecy (Dan 12:4) and there is no other verse in the Bible that mentions the opening of that “little book” except for Rev 10:2 We may further observe that this “little book” which Daniel had received directions to ‘seal” had a very particular reference to time: “how long shall it be to the end of these wonders?” (Dan 12:6)

That we are in the time of the end is shown by Rev 10:1-2, where a mighty angel is seen to come down from heaven with a little book open in his hand. Then the book of this prophecy should be no longer sealed. It was to be opened and understood. For proof that the little book to be opened is the book here closed and sealed when Daniel wrote, and that that angel delivers his message in this generation, see Rev 10:2.

And I saw another mighty angel coming down out of the heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. And he had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the earth. (Rev 10:1-2, MKJV)

An important point is now determined in our effort to settle the chronology of this angel We have seen that prophecy, especially the prophetic periods of Daniel, were not to be opened and understood in all it’s bearings, until the time of the end. If this is the book which the angel had in his hand open, it follows that he proclaims his message after the time when the book should be opened, or somewhere this side of the beginning of the time of the end.

The chronology of the events of Revelation 10 is further seen from the fact that this angel appears to be identical with the first angel of Revelation 14. The points of identity for them both are easily seen: They both have a special message to proclaim, They both utter their proclamation with a loud voice. They both use similar language, referring to the Creator as the maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and the things that are therein. And they both proclaim time, one stating that time should be no more, and the other proclaiming that the hour of God’s judgment has come.

The message of Rev 14:6 is obviously located during this day and age of the beginning of the time of the end. It is a proclamation of the hour of God’s judgment come, and therefore must have its application in this our last generation. During this “time of the end.” Paul did not preach the hour of judgment come. Martin Luther and his cohorts did not preach it. Paul reasoned of a judgment to come, indefinitely future, and Luther placed it at least three hundred years beyond his day.

Paul warns the church against preaching that the hour of God’s judgment has come, until a certain time. He says:

“Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is a hand. Let no one deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed.” 2 Thes 2:1-3.

After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the injunction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: “Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered.” (Rev 10:3) These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of the days. (Dan 12:13). And John sees the little book unsealed in the three angel’s message of Rev 14: 6-12. This means that Daniel’s prophecies have their proper place in the three angel’s message to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to this our day. The time of the end.

As we continue to investigate Bible prophecy, we will see how the books of Daniel and the Revelation are one message. One story. HIS STORY. One is a prophecy, the other a Revelation; one a book sealed, the other a book revealed. The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a description of events which would transpire under the three angel’s message of Rev 14:6-12 If it is indeed Bible prophecy, the prophecy will always be 100% accurate. With no exception. And not a single prophecy is accurate or Biblical, unless it is centerd around “Christ and Him crucified.” (Gal 6:14, Eph 2:13)

Closing and sealing up the book simply meant that it was to be kept safe and preserved. This was to be done so that believers of all times could look back on God’s work in history and find hope. Daniel did not understand the exact meaning of the times and events in his vision. But we can see events as they unfold, for we are now finally in the end times. The whole book will not be understood until the climax of earth’s history.

And when the seven thunders spoke their sounds, I was about to write. And I heard a voice from Heaven saying to me, Seal up what things the seven thunders spoke, and do not write these things. (Rev 10:4, MKJV)

Throughout history people have wanted to know what would happen in the future, and God reveals some of it in this “little book” of Bible prophecy. But John was stopped from revealing certain parts of his vision. An angel also told the prophet Daniel that some visions he saw were not to be revealed yet to everyone (Dan 12: 9), and Jesus told his disciples that the time of the end is known by no one but God (Mark 13:32-33). God has revealed all we need to know now to live for him now. In our desire to be ready for the end, we must not place more emphasis on speculation about the last days than on living for God while we wait.

The second coming of Jesus is the most important event in everyone’s life. We should all enter this event into our Google Calendars now. But what year, what date, what time should we make this entry for?

When Jesus said that even he did not know the time of the end, he was, among other things, affirming his humanity. Of course God the Father knows the time, and Jesus and the Father are one. But when Jesus became a man, he voluntarily gave up the unlimited use of his divine attributes. But the emphasis of this verse is not on Jesus’ lack of knowledge, but rather on the fact that no one knows. It is God the Father’s secret to be revealed when he wills. No one can predict by Scripture or science the exact day of Jesus’ return. Jesus is trying to teach us that preparation, not calculation, is what we need now..

Months of planning go into a wedding, the birth of a baby, a career change, a speaking engagement, the purchase of a home, etc. Do we place the same importance on preparing for Christ’s return, the most important event in our life? Its results will last for eternity. We dare not postpone our preparations because we do not know when Christ’s return will occur. The stated way to prepare is to study God’s Word and live by its instructions each day. Only then will any of us be ready.. Jesus informs that our preparation involves the following:

But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. Take heed, watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is. (Mark 13:32-33)

The disciples once asked Jesus what would be the signs of His coming, or, of ‘the end of the age,” and the very first thing Jesus said to them was “take heed that no one deceive you.” (Mat 24: 3-4)

Turning to the disciples, Christ said, “Take heed that no one deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Many false messiahs will appear, claiming to work miracles, and declaring that the time of the deliverance of the Jewish nation has come. These will mislead many. Christ’s words were fulfilled. Between His death and the siege of Jerusalem many false messiahs appeared. But this warning was given also to those who live in this our day and age of the world. The same deceptions practiced prior to the destruction of Jerusalem have been practiced through the ages, and will be practiced again. {DA 628.2}

Christians today may rest in the grand assurances that Bible prophecy is always about Jesus. Bible prophecy is called “sure” for a reason. Bible prophecy is HIS-Story. And Bible prophecy is the light in our clouds in these trying times we live in today. This is why prophecy is called “a light in a dark place.” (2 Pet 1:19)

IF the prophecies we are being taught are not light; if they create heat rather than light, perhaps we should consider closer the Bibles idea that

“We also have a more sure word of prophecy, to which you do well to take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Daystar arises in your hearts,” (2 Pet 1:19, MKJV)

Christ is a “Day Star,” and when he returns, he will shine in his full glory. Until that day we have Scripture and the Holy Spirit to illuminate it for us and guide us as we seek the truth (see also Luke 1:78; Eph 5:14; Rev 2:28; Rev 22:16).

NOTHING else in scripture is called “a more sure word.”

YOU Will Rise Again

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Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. (John 11:24)

Martha, one of my favorite women in the Bible looked upon the resurrection and the life as things that were to be in some dim and misty future. But as the scripture record reveals, Jesus said: “No,”

“I am [NOW] the resurrection and the life. Not only do I get these things by prayer from God, but I am these things.” And then he goes on to explain it. He says, “I am the resurrection. Anyone that believes in me, though they were dead, yet shall they live. I am the life. Whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die; they will live.” (John 11:25)

I recall once some years ago during my nursing days, standing by the bedside of an elderly man who was dying. It was the night shift, and as I watched his life current slowly ebb from his emaciated body, I saw an old well used Bible on his bedside table. I asked “George, is it OK if I look in your Bible for a few minutes.” He couldnt speak but he nodded a yes.

I opened up George’s Bible and the very first thing I saw was the following text scrawled on the inside front cover in George’s very shaky looking hand writing:

“I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.” (Phil 3:10, Message)

What an amazing text for me to discover just at that exact time & place with old George!

I have never forgotten this experience, that text, over the last 25 years. It has stood silently, steadfastly with me through every dark trial.

Jesus once said “I will rise again,” and His experience is to be our experience. The comfort, the assurance, and the power of this one promise, can help anyone at the very point of whatever felt needs are present in their lives. When I lost a loved one a few years ago, this was the very experience that we both had leaned heavily on:

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. For we say this to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not go before those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thes 4: 14-18, MKJV)

What did Paul mean when he wrote, “We tell you this directly from the Lord”? (vs 15)

Either this was something that the Lord had revealed directly to Paul, or it was a teaching of Jesus that had been passed along orally by the apostles and other Christians.

It was at the bedside of a dying man where this truth was not only passed on to me; but at the point of George’s last breath that night, it became a lived experience, rather than a stale doctrine, or some contested theology.

I have sometimes wondered over the years how my friend could have faced his death with such assurance. He had horrible pain in the end, and his body was marred with the ravages of his disease. And he was alone. No family would come to see him in his last moments. There was no visible sign that he was “happy in the Lord” and trusting in Jesus as he left this life behind. Or was there? Perhaps his yes that he nodded to me when I asked to look in his Bible was the thing that showed He knew Jesus? And that he wanted me to know Him better too?

But when George said “Yes” to my request to look inside his Bible, that my friends was his moment of greatest power. That “yes” is the very definition of “I will rise again.” And it was my personal moment to rise again unto the “lively hope” of the resurrection power, for both this life, and the life to come.

As believers in Jesus today, we too have the opportunity for our moment of greatest power. There is opportunity, for anyone, no matter how rotten they are, to “rise again.” This is why the Bible calls the resurrection our “lively” or “living hope.” Because Jesus is risen! (Mat 1:21), Because Jesus is “the living God” (Psalms 42:2) of our life today:

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, he has given us new life and a hope that lives on. (1 Pet 1:3, CEV)

Do you need encouragement?

Peter’s words offer such powerful joy and hope in times of trouble, and he bases his confidence on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We live with the wonderful expectation of eternal life (1 Pet 1:3). Our hope is not only for the future; because eternal life begins when we first trust Christ. Like my Grandmother used to say: Heaven begins on Earth.” Especially when we recognize along with the psalmist:

Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, (Psalms 42:5)

The Psalmist was rising again when he poured out those words! And when we rise again in our experience, we too will express new or renewed confidence in Jesus! When we pour out our hearts to Jesus. After all, “prayer is the opening of the heart to God, as to a friend.”

My greatest moments of power, my personal experiences of rising again out of whatever horrible pit I have been, in are always when I hear that same “yes,” from someone who cares enough to be there, and recognize that that yes, is just how Jesus will help me too.

“By this shall all people know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another…” (John 13:35)

My personal best antidote for spiritual depression is to meditate on the record of God’s goodness to His people. And to myself. (Rev 12:10-11) This will help take your mind off the present situation as you focus your thoughts on God’s ability, on God’s power, to help you rather than trying to count on your own inability to help yourself. This process is called “rise again.” (2 Cor 5:17) Why not take advantage of the Psalmist’s effectual antidepressant? The Bible accounts of God’s goodness, always give us something at least one step higher than where we are currently.

When I have stood watching death invade, my darkest thoughts oppressed me deeply, buried me in darkness. George’s “YES” turned my heart to God and in touching Jesus in such a very affectionate way like that, I started to rise again. I stopped feeling alone in my situation. This kind of Holy Love to Jesus as our main foundation in life, is the very power of Godliness. The very life and soul of all of us.

I didn’t realize for years how wrong I was about God, until I heard His “yes” through my dying friend, and my tortured heart began to rise again. Standing at George’s bedside, was my moment of greatest power. Through a few tears then, Jesus had just taught me very affectionately to know the worth and power of His everlasting mercies. Simply by providing me with the the very acute wanting of them! Of a truth, His mercies are new every morning! (Lam 3;23)

What power on earth can take that away from any one of us? Scripture asserts how that “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.”

And you dont have to be a Christian to “rise again!” You just have to be in need, and acutely feel the need for God’s mercy:

keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:21)

Do you want to rise out of your darkest experiences? To know and trust Jesus not inspite of them, but because of them?

God’s yes to each of us today would be in His longing for, and providing for us to live close to Him, and to His people, and in giving up our trust of false teachers and any other dark souls who would try to pull us away from God.

And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. YES! (Jude 1:24-25, Message)

My friends, God wants to say “yes” to you now. God has a special plan for you to rise again! Just like He had for Jesus!

NOW can be your moment of greatest power.

“To them that received Him gave He power to become the sons and daughters of God! (John 1:12)

God’s Biggest IF

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if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chron 7:14)

Most people who receive this weekly, I am sure, are very painfully aware of the frenetic pace our life has taken on in recent months. There are many issues happening in society, the world in general, and for me, I sometimes feel like I can’t even keep up to it all anymore. I found myself this week wondering:

“What could be a possible solution to all this?”

I did a little praying, some Bible study, I asked a few friends what they thought; and I looked a bit online. As I look at all the things coming upon the world now, I have wondered if there was some trick, well, not really a trick, but I couldn’t help but think: “God doesn’t seem as close to me this week. What am I doing wrong?”

And right in the middle of my searching, I think I have stumbled upon the perfect solution. God’s solution. I started to recall some of the Old and New Testament stories I have been reading these last few weeks, and I realized that no matter where I looked in the Bible, the very first response of all the prophets, in all the ages covered by the Bible was ALWAYS prayer. Whenever something bad was coming down the tubes, the first response of all the Bible Greats was to pray. I think this is why the opening text for this week’s email has resonated so well with me. And once I looked into this text, it did start to appear as the needed solution for our in common difficulties of today:

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14

The promise here says that if God’s people would do three things, God would respond in three ways. The Lord’s people needed to become humble, that is,to confess; they needed to pray, or repent; and they needed to turn from their obviously wrong ways, and to come back to Him. If they did, God would hear, forgive, and heal them, and their land. Does our land need healing? Are we seeking God’s will in todays pressures and trials?

I find it very interesting that this text is not addressed to society at large. It seems mostly directed to “God’s people,” as He does say in this text:

“If MY PEOPLE…”

Rev 18:4, part of the great prophecies of the last days in the book of Revelation also shows God using this phrase, “My People.” In that verse, God says to Babylon, to His people in Babylon, “Come out of her My people.” During a time of national crises, God will speak directly to His people; God’s stated ideal for His people when there is trouble at the door is prayer and repentance.

True repentance is more than just talk. Repentance is ALWAYS a situation of “changed behavior.” (2 Cor 5:17) The Bible often calls this change “”turned from” as does our opening text for today. Whether we sin individually, as a group,or as a nation, following these steps will lead to forgiveness. God will ALWAYS hear the sincere, honest prayer of anyone who comes to Him, “just as they are.” (see John 6:37)

Scripture tells us that is is one thing to “just pray,” because His MO for prayer here is apparently, also being humble. What does this being “humble” look like in work clothes? It is very interesting that this kind of humility is something God is only asking of “His people.” The text says “if MY PEOPLE.” This clarion call to prayer is very similar to Rev 18:4 where God says “Come out of her MY PEOPLE.”

Jesus is always calling His people to a better way of life. To THE life. In fact Scripture says that “In Jesus was life, and THE life was/is the Light of everyone in the world. (see John 1:4). If we were to go to to the shores of an ocean, we would recognize how the incoming tide lifts all boats. What might be the effects of an incoming tide of prayer for “His people?” The incoming “tide” would lift all people. Jesus has promised:

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (James 4:10).

Jesus is telling His Church to

1) pray,

2) humble themselves, and

3) turn away from their lifestyle of sin.

In our human realms, we still like to think that we know the right steps to take; but as for me, I am starting to wonder if thats even half-true. God does say:

“There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Prov 16:25)

I found a really good example of the Prov 16:25 principle. A story I read about the first President of the USA, from 1789 to 1797), George Washington, who thought he knew what was best for him and his situation. Washington actually asked for “blood-letting” to be performed on himself for a health-condition he was recovering from, (throat infection). They ended up taking around 4 litres of blood (nearly 40% of his blood) from him, and sadly, Washington died from complications shortly after.

The Bible is correct when it states that there is a way that seems right to a person, but it’s way is the way of death. In accordance with 2 Chron 7:14, Scripture assures us of that very point in The New Testament:

“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14).

“According To His Will,” appears to be the key ingredient that if practiced by we, God’s people, would be the incoming tide that would lift “all boats.” Not just a few of them. But are we, as a people doing this? Do we really want to “be humble” when we pray,or are we just satisfied with rotely saying the prayers, something like an incantation? In our text for today, we are asked by God to not just pray, but to “humble ourselves when we pray, with the intention of obeying (turning from sin) whatever it pleases our Lord
to reveal to us. As Jesus stated in John 7:17

“If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know whether the teaching is of God or whether I speak on My own accord and by My own authority.” (John 7:17)

IF one is willing to do whatever God reveals to them, they will know what is truth and what way Jesus would have them proceed, even during the stormy times we live in now. I think that Jesus want us to live with power. The power of His Word. I was studying some things out of the 23rd Psalms earlier this week and learned something very intriguing about how to live
with power. I had always known that phrase “He restoreth my soul,” (Psalms 23:3), but what I didn’t know until this week was that one of the key elements to recovering our physical health, which many people of course want to do these days, is that of our spiritual health. The tidal wave of power that will lift all the “boats” (people) is 2 Chron 7:14.

Everywhere, in many ways, the Bible says that in restoring our soul, the physical body will be positively affected. 2 Chron 7:14 says when we do this “the land will be healed.” The Psalmist once mourned: “all day I am wearied with my groaning…” (Psalms 6:6). But Jesus informs us today that we are only forgiven, when we are ready to be HUMBLE and forgive all hurt and resentments that we hold against other people. The Lord’s prayer tells believers today that we are forgiven “as we forgive others.”

God’s people are being asked to pray and humble themselves. As my prayer partner said when I was writing this:

“When we let go and let God take care of everything, we stop trying to do it on our own. We surrender to Jesus. Because on our own we can do nothing. And the measure we use in judging others will simply condemn us, by our very own standards. We need to stop being so foolish . “Love one another, and forgive as we have been forgiven by Jesus.

Be kind and help, and respect each other, without expecting anything in return. God will reward us according to our own standards. His standards are often not our’s, because it is love that Jesus wants us all to give to each other; and to stop competing with everyone else. We all, ultimately have the same goal. Lets “lift all the boats” and sent the tidal wave of prayer, of being humble, and of turning from everything we know is wrong.

For stricken Israel there was but one remedy–a turning away from the sins that had brought upon them the chastening hand of the Almighty, and a turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart. To them had been given the assurance, “If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people; if My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:13,14. It was to bring to pass this blessed result that God continued to withhold from them the dew and the rain until a decided reformation should take place. {PK 128.1)

If God’s people will do three things, God will always respond in three ways. The Lord’s people need to become humble, that is, confess they have sinned; they need to pray, or repent; and they needed to turn, or come back to Him. If they do this even today, God would hear, forgive, and heal us in miraculous ways.

“IF My People pray”

Sometimes It takes A Mountain!

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Your love is faithful, LORD, and even the clouds in the sky can depend on you. Your decisions are always fair. They are firm like mountains, deep like the sea, and all people and animals are under your care. Psalms 36:5,6

In contrast to evil people and their wicked plots that end in failure, God will triumph. He is faithful, righteous, and just. His love is as vast as the heavens; his faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds; his righteousness is as solid as mighty mountains; his judgments are as full of wisdom as the oceans are with water. We need not fear evil people because we know God loves us, judges evil, and will care for us throughout eternity.

From their foundations, by undermining them, Jesus puts forth his hand to cleave even the hardest rock. He cuts out channels among the rocks; and his eye sees every precious thing. (Job 28:9-10)

He cuts channels to drain off the waters, which hinder his mining; and when the waters are gone, he is able to see the precious things in the earth. God’s promises to you in the midst of your trials are sure. One thing we can count on is that God says:

“And I will give them a heart to know Me…” (Jer 24:7)

So too, when Jesus is mining the heart of stone, He always finds something precious. The fact that we are called upon to endure trial proves that the Lord Jesus sees in us something very precious, which He desires to develop. And so He begins the mining process, which can be rough and painful at times.

If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name He would not spend time in refining us whenever he finds something precious during this mining process. We do not take special pains in pruning thorny shrubs. Christ does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He tests.

The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time mining the heart of stone; or in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines.

And so everyone of our trials are opportunities. The very first opportunity being a call to prayer. The following poem will describe prayer for you very well from the personal experience of Jesus Himself:

In The Garden, Alone With Jesus

We live in a world of constant turmoil and trials. But it has been my lived experience that God will give us the strength we need; and He will look after all those things that we are unable to do ourselves:

The Garden Alone
Based on Luke 22:39-46

“And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him.”

God was with Him in the Garden, dark,alone
Jesus conquered sin by strength of divine
But the separation went deeper than bone
As the battle began our Christ drew the line.

The Father didn’t want to remove bitter cup
The disciples slept in great sorrow and fear
While Gabriel came in light,lifted Jesus up
Christ’s sweat poured out, in blood and tear.

As crises supreme did his heart and soul break
Jesus came alone, to fight by petition in there
The angel assured Him He could make no mistake
For He might answer with love the sinners prayer.

We each have to go to our Garden, stark, alone
We have to bring to Jesus our worries and care
And when we go, we shall see the great throne
For in the Garden; our Lord Jesus He is there.

Jesus conquered by strength surely not his own
We can have this very kind of encounter today
As we go by faith to our special garden alone
Walk securely with Him the blood-stained way.

Christ conquered in divine strength, and so must every tempted soul overcome. God was with Christ in the Garden of Gesthemane and by this experience of Christ, we are to learn to trust our heavenly Father; at all times, and in all places,we are to believe that he is tender, true, and faithful – able to keep that which is committed to His care. In the agonizing struggle of Christ, our Substitute and Surety; the Father was beside His Son, and He is beside every soul that struggles with discouragement and difficulty.

Just as the revelation of depravity in Psalms 36:1,2,3,4 is awful, the revelation of the Lord’s love, in our opening text, Psalms 36:5,6) is even more wonderful. great mountains … great deep: The contrasts continue with David ranging from the highest mountains to the depths of the sea to describe the perfect character of God.

The height of the great mountains can be compared to how great God’s righteousness is; the depth of the seas can be compared with how mysterious and inaccessible God’s true judgments are. May we know, and love, and uprightly serve the Lord; then no proud enemy, on earth or from hell, shall separate us from his love. Faith calls things that are not, as though they were. It carries us forward to the end of time; it shows us the Lord, on his throne of judgment; the empire of sin fallen to rise no more.

How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! (Psalms 103:11) How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! How far has the LORD taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! (Psalms 103:11-12)

They are gone. There is a chasm between us and our sins, which will never be bridged. To an infinite distance has the great Scapegoat carried away all the sins of his people; they shall never return to us.

The Mary Prophecy

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Mary’s Experience In The Incarnation

In last week’s article entitled Prophecy: Its About The Cross, we talked briefly about mat 1:21 and how it helps us to see that the Christmas story is one of the best ways for us to understand Bible prophecy. For thats what Christmas is. It is Bible prophecy, fulfilled. Christmas is not “History,” rather, it is HIS STORY. ts About The Cross, for that is why Jesus came to our world.

Mat 1:23 quotes Isa 7:14 to show a definite fulfillment of this prophecy in that a virgin named Mary conceived and bore a son, Immanuel, the Christ. In this week’s article we will continue this line of study into how the Christmas story illustrated Bible prophecy in all it’s bearings. In last week’s article we pointed out one of the Bible’s descriptions for how to decide a prophet or a prophecy is correct.

The true prophet recognizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” 1 John 4:1-3

“Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God” means that we shouldn’t believe everything we hear just because someone says it is a message from God. There are many ways to test teachers to see if their message is truly from the Lord. One is to check to see if their words match what God says in the Bible.

The Mary Prophecy Explained

One month later God sent the angel Gabriel to the town of Nazareth in Galilee. with a message for a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to Joseph from the family of King David.

The angel greeted Mary and said, “You are truly blessed! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1:26-28)

The announcement to Mary presents the declaration of a virginal conception of Jesus ( Luke 1:27, Luke 1:34-35), but ties it to the OT less directly than Mat 1:23, which actually cites Isa 7:14. Luke’s account tells the story from Mary’s perspective, while Mat 1:18-25 focuses on Joseph. It parallels similar announcements in the OT (Isaac: Gen 16:7-14; Gen 17:15-22; Gen 18:9-15; Gideon: Judges 6:11-17; Samson: Judges 13:3-23; Samuel: 1 Sam 1:9-20). The announcement emphasizes Jesus’ preminence as well as His unique origins. Luke makes it clear that Mary did not put together the theological significance of this birth, as her response in Luke 2:48 shows. Luke prefers to show how Jesus gradually revealed who He was and how people wrestled with who He was.

Here during the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel is sent back to earth to see Mary and announce the soon coming birth of The Savior. God Himself determines the right time of and for everyone. The “fullness of time” () is God’s alone to determine.

It was mentioned quite prominently that Mary was a virgin. At the time, Mary was not someone that the world talked about. She was relatively unknown to the world. And yet, God knows her. And God chose this very humble unknown person, not important in her society, to give birth to Jesus.

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, (Gal 4:4-5)
Gal 4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

The fact that Mary and Joseph were not famous or well-known in upper crust society shows us just the kind of atmosphere or situation where God’s promises can be fulfilled. The angel even came to visit Mary right in her home. Gabriel came to her with a message, right into her private life, and not in the temple, or anywhere else important. God is always willing to come close to us no matter what our lot is in life. When Gabriel said to Mary that God was with her, that she was “the favored one, it made Mary special among others because she had been chosen by God to be the one to give birth to Jesus.

What an amazing part of Bible prophecy this is. It shows clearly the grace of God in action. And that God’s grace is for everyone. Now some churches try to make this sound like Mary is so full of grace that she should become some kind of Mediator between us and Jesus; yet Mary, like any of us, was a sinful woman who also needs her Son for forgiveness of her sins. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,” (1 Tim 2:5). Jesus was born “under the law,” meaning that Mary was just like anyone of us. A sinner saved by grace. “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,” (Gal 4:4)

We can note here too that we do not read in this part of the Christmas story that Mary was afraid in anyway when the angel came to speak to her. (Luke 1;12) What we do read is that Mary was quite perplexed by the angel’s words. Yet Mary does not reject the message in unbelief, which shows her God-fearing mind. The angel reassures Mary that she has found favor in the eyes of God, which can only mean that Mary had been searching. Obviously the favor given to Mary to become the Mother of Jesus goes beyond the grace she found in God, as a sinner, with all the human propensities we have.

Luke 1:31 makes it very clear that Jesus is a true Man, for it is announced here that Jesus will be “born of a woman.” (Gal 4:4)

The angel Gabriel explains the name of Jesus more to Mary saying Jesus is like no other person being “great” because of the ways he would live perfectly to God’s glory.

“His name shall be called Immanuel,God with us.” “The light of the knowledge of the glory of God” is seen “in the face of Jesus Christ.” From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was “the image of God,” the image of His greatness and majesty, “the outshining of His glory.” It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God’s love,–to be “God with us.” Therefore it was prophesied of Him, “His name shall be called Immanuel.” {DA 19.1}

By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. He was the Word of God,–God’s thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, “I have declared unto them Thy name,”–“merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,”–“that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” But not alone for His earth-born children was this revelation given.

Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God’s wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which “angels desire to look,” and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which “seeks not her own” has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwells in the light which no man can approach unto. {DA 19.2}

This part of the Christmas story, while showing us that prophecy always embraces the facts of the Incarnation and does not deny them or lessen their importance, it also shows us that the Church does not decide what the Bible means. It between each believer and God. We see a good example of this when Mary said to Gabriel “…be it unto me according unto thy word…” (Luke 1:38)

A young unmarried girl who became pregnant risked disaster. Unless the father of the child agreed to marry her, she would probably remain unmarried for life. If her own father rejected her, she could be forced into begging or prostitution in order to earn her living. And Mary, with her story about becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit, risked being considered crazy as well. Still Mary said, despite the possible risks, “be it unto me according unto thy word…” (Luke 1:38)

When Mary said that, she didn’t know about the tremendous opportunity she would have. She only knew that God was asking her to serve him, and she willingly obeyed. Mary did not wait to see the whole plan and how it would work out; before offering her life to God. Rather, she offered herself willingly, even when the outcome seems disastrous, unknown, and she could not see how things were going to turn out. The Christmas story here, shows us a perfect example of the definition of faith “faith is evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1)

Do you remember how you felt when you were very young and your birthday approached? You were excited and anxious. You knew you would certainly receive gifts and other special treats. But some things would be a surprise. Birthdays combine assurance and anticipation, and so does faith! Faith is the confidence based on past experience that God’s new and fresh surprises will surely be ours.

The beginning point of faith is believing in God’s character: He is who he says. The end point is believing in God’s promises: He will do what he says. When we believe that God will fulfill his promises even though we don’t see those promises materializing yet, we demonstrate true faith (see John 20:24-31).

I hope that this week’s article gives you a brief glimpse at how Bible prophecy always points to Jesus and leads us to greater faith in Him alone for our life today and all the way up to our personal salvation. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17)

None are so vile, none have fallen so low, as to be beyond the working of this power. In all who will submit themselves to the Holy Spirit a new principle of life is to be implanted; the lost image of God is to be restored in humanity. {COL 96.1}

Every person is free to choose what power they will have to rule over them. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; (Mark 5)yet the heart’s unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in church-correct words, will be unheeded by Jesus today. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own weakness. They are invited by the Savior, “Let them take hold of My strength, that they may make peace with Me; and they shall make peace with Me.” Isaiah 27:5.

The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, “Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contends with thee, and I will save thy children.” Isaiah 49:24,25

Under The Shadow: Part 2

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Where Is The Secret Place?

Those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalms 91:1, NKJV)

“dwelleth in the secret place” denotes someone’s rest in Christ. This text in Psalms 91:1 for example refers to “living under the shadow of The Almighty.” By mentioning this “secret place” and by being in the secret place, it has to refer to a person who trusts in God. The one who lives close to Him. The one who lives “under the shadow.”

The title in Psalms 91:1 of “Most High” emphasizes God’s majesty (Psalms 92:1) and is parallel to the term Almighty, a translation of the divine title Shaddai. Together the terms Most High and Shaddai speak of God as a mountain-like majesty, in whose presence there is a “secret place” or a shadow.

My refuge and my fortress may be rephrased as “my secure fortress,” for one example. And as evidenced by Solomon, when he answers: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in him will I trust,” (Psalms 91:2).

Many Bible versions also say for Psalms 91:1 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will REST in the shadow of the Almighty. “Rest in Christ is “the secret place” Psalms 91:1-2, similar to a soliloquy in which the believer states the blessedness of dwelling under God’s sheltering care, and encourages their heart to exercise personal faith; Psalms 91:3-8.

The assurance of a chorus of voices, which emphasize the safety of those who believe; Psalms 91:9, an exclamation in which the believer again expresses their resolve to exercise said personal faith; Psalms 91:9-13, the second assurance of a chorus of reassuring voices; Psalms 91:14-16, God’s ratification of the whole attitude and expressions of the psalmist and his friends.

Perhaps, this “secret place” is called “secret” simply because non-believers cannot see or understand such a thing unless they have that personal faith experience described as “dwelleth in the secret place” — (Psalms 27:5; Psalms 31:20) “Secret place” simply referring to that which denotes nearness to God. Such as do so abide or lodge secure or rest from assaults, and can well use the terms of trust in Psalms 91:2.

When my late wife died in my arms a little over two years ago now, one of our favorite caregivers texted me Psalms 91 and it was certainly appropriate to the occasion. “Yea, though I went through the “valley of the shadow” of death, I will fear no evil; For Jesus is with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Jesus was with me…I was “in the secret place” I was “under the shadow.” (Psalms 23:4) I was resting in Him.

Living “under the shadow,” dwelling in that “secret place,” that no others could see, I rest in Christ. I trust in Him all the way. Others looking at me then would think “Oh that poor fellow.” Yet, when my loved one drew her last breath while I was holding her in my arms, a great peace washed over me, I was filled with The Holy Spirit, and there were no tears that night. I just knew that everything went the way we had prayed, and that was such a great comfort. To the believer, the shadow is protection, opportunity. To the non believer, the shadow is a tragedy with no hope. And this is what makes it “secret.”

In the secret place of Your presence You hide them from the plots and conspiracies of man; You keep them secretly in a shelter (pavilion) from the strife of tongues. (Psalms 31:20 AMP)

those that fear the Lord and trust in him; are therefore called his “hidden ones”, Psalms 83:3; these the Lord preserves in times of trouble and danger, and when his indignation is out against others. The Targum reads, “in the time of thine anger;” see Isa 26:20; the presence of God is their protection, he himself is a wall of fire round about them, his favor compasses them as a shield, and they are kept as in a garrison by his power; (see Psalms 91:1); protected “from the pride of man”, which otherwise would at once oppress, bear them down, and destroy them, Psalms 124:1

They concoct crafty schemes against Your people, And conspire together against Your hidden and precious ones. (Psalms 83:3), not hidden from the Lord, and unknown unto him, though. But from their enemies, and being unknown by them, the object of their hatred and persecution; but hidden by him as his jewels and peculiar treasure, which he takes care of; hidden under the shadow of his wings, in the secret of his presence and tabernacle, as in a pavilion; and therefore it was a daring piece of insolence in their enemies to attack them: so the life of saints is said to be hid with Christ in God, which denotes both its secrecy and safety; see Col 3:3

“For you died, and your life is now HIDDEN with Christ in God.”

To “think about the things of heaven” (Col 3:2) means to look at life from God’s perspective and to seek what he desires. This would certainly be the “secret place” where God’s people live “under the shadow.”

It was not on the cross only that Christ sacrificed Himself for humanity. As He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), every day’s experience was an outpouring of His life. In one way only could such a life be sustained. Jesus lived in dependence upon God and communion with Him. To the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, men now and then repair; they abide for a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds; then their faith fails, the communion is interrupted, and the lifework marred. But the life of Jesus was a life of constant trust, sustained by continual communion; and His service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. {Ed 80.3}

Jesus lived in dependence upon God and communion with Him. To the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, men now and then repair; they abide for a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds; then their faith fails, the communion is interrupted, and the lifework marred. But the life of Jesus was a life of constant trust, sustained by continual communion; and His service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. {HP 83.3}

Pray with humble hearts. Seek the Lord often in prayer. In the secret place, alone, the eye sees Jesus and the ear is opened to Jesus. You come forth from the secret place of prayer to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Temptations come, but you press closer and still closer to the side of Jesus and place your hand in His hand. Then you gain a rich experience, resting in His love and rejoicing in His mercy. The worries and perplexities and cares are gone, and you rejoice in Jesus Christ. The soul is quick to hear the Father’s voice, and you will commune with God. All criticism is banished, all judging of others has been expelled from the soul.{HP 86.4}

The Christian’s Badge

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“God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us.” (Eph 3:20, NIrV)

The Lord is waiting to manifest through His people, His amazing grace and power. But He desires that people who engage in His service will keep their minds directed to His glory. If we have time to worry every day then every day we should have time for reading the Word of God and for prayer. . . .

Individually we are to walk and talk with God; as did the prophets of old, and then the sacred influence of the gospel of Christ in all its preciousness will appear in our lives.

There is an eloquence far more powerful than the eloquence of words in the quiet, consistent life of a pure, true Christian. What a person is has far more influence than what they say. Some of us Christians so love to polish up our little doctrines, pet beliefs, and mantras whereby we judge others by, but they all fall flat, if we cannot practice what we preach. If we cannot, or will not, live the same way we tell others.

The officers who were sent to Jesus came back with the report that never man spoke as He spoke. (John 7:46) But the reason for this was that there never was any person ever who lived as Jesus lived. Had His life been other than it was, He could not have spoken as He did.

His words bore with them a convincing power, because they came from a heart pure and holy, full of love and sympathy, benevolence and truth. The soldiers could have stated that they failed to arrest Christ because of the danger of the crowd but they did not. Instead, they reported that Jesus was not like anyone they had ever heard speak. Because NO ONE had ever lived like Him.

It is our own character and experience that determine our influence upon others. I see this all the time in the little town where I live. In order to convince others of the power of Christ’s grace, we must know its power in our own hearts and lives. The gospel we present for the saving of souls must be the exact same gospel by which our own souls are saved. Only through a living faith in Christ as a personal Savior AND Lord is it possible to make our influence felt in a skeptical world such as we live in today. If we would draw others out of the swift-running current, our own feet must be firmly set upon the Rock, Christ Jesus.

The Badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it is that which reveals the union of a person with God. By the power of His grace manifested in the transformation of character, the world is to be convinced that God has sent His Son as its Redeemer. No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. No one can be improved, saved, or helped, merely by intellect or argument alone. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.

Singing Of The Birds

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Take the carefree birds as your example. Do you ever see them worry? They don’t grow their own food or put it in a storehouse for later. Yet God takes care of every one of them, feeding each of them from his love and goodness. Isn’t your life more precious to God than a bird? Be carefree in the care of God! (Luke 12:24, TPT)

The Singing Of The Birds To Me

Last night I heard a bird singing in the rain The raindrop’s patter, imparting happy refrain Sending all the sweeter the comforting strain. As I watched the bird I thought when trouble comes Why should I stop singing?

Just beyond steep hill when morning sunshine floods shadowed world still? Birds singing in my tragedy with heart of cheer Making burdens lighter when there falls my tear Yes sweeter is the measure in the song I hold dear

My friend the bird I have learned your lesson today Listening to your music with your song that can say Storm-cloud darkens and now I know how I should pray. Singing sweetly from the branches and evergreen trees

Like the hungry soul who crying loudly on their knees Your song, my comfort, carried on the vexing breeze Singing bird rise in my heart in this clouded event Grant me this song in my fear to way of circumvent

May your peace and trust be the light of heaven sent

If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the earth” (Eccl 11:3).

I have often looked at birds in cages of the pet store, and thought of the happiness and joviality of heart which they seem to exhibit; and yet, if you were to forget to give them water, or if you were to fail to give them seed, how soon they would die! Perhaps the little creature has not enough to last it more than one day, but it goes on singing its tune, and leaves; all anxiety about the morrow to those whose business it is to care for it.

You would be ashamed to let your bird starve; and will your Heavenly Father let you, who are not his birds, but his children, starve? Oh, no!

“Your Father knows that you have need of these things.”