Second Coming | Mike's Place on the Web

Posts Tagged 'Second Coming'

Peter and Jude, Part 5

Published December 18, 2017 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: False Teachers, Jude, Peter, Peter and Jude, Second Coming

For some reason, the doctrine of our Lord’s Second Coming has always produced division in His Church. And it’s not just a recent thing, either. Even back in the days of the apostles, this precious doctrine was mocked, laughed at, and doubted.

They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:4 | NIV84)

For his part, Peter had absolutely no doubt that Jesus would keep His word and come back. Why would the apostle doubt it? With his very own eyes, Peter saw Jesus’ transfiguration on the mount and had experienced a slight foretaste of the future glory.

The people to whom Peter wrote this second letter were having their doubts; they were succumbing to false teaching and that resulted in a disbelief in the Second Coming. No Christian can afford to disregard or doubt this doctrine for to do so is to bring into question the veracity of the words of Jesus Himself! Not only that, belief in the Second Coming results in holy living, and that’s not unimportant.

Up to this point, chapter 3 in 2 Peter, Peter had been dealing with the libertines – these immoral and disreputable false teachers – and their victims. Of them, Peter concluded,

For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. (2 Peter 2:18, 19 | NIV84)

Some of their “empty, boastful words” dealt with the Second Coming. They didn’t believe it and they mocked those who did. With a new chapter comes a new line of thought. Peter wants his readers to think and think hard about the words spoken by the prophets and the apostles.

Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. (2 Peter 3:1, 2 | NIV84)

As one scholar wisely noted,

No state of grace this side of heaven exempts men from the need of repeated reminders of the truths of the Christian message, and all of this becomes the more urgent in the light of Christ’s imminent return to earth.

It’s not that the readers of this letter were morally depraved, but they were in danger of losing the purity of doctrine they had once held so tightly to. They were having niggling doubts about the Second Coming and as a result, they were just beginning to take on the characteristics of their nasty false teachers.

It’s so easy for believers of any generation to get distracted from the truth. It’s one thing to get distracted, though, but very often a mindless distraction can turn into the wedge that separates us from the truth of God’s Word. J.C. Ryle’s words on this are a powerful reminder of how wispy thin our grasp on the truth may be:

Amidst the flood of dangerous reading, I plead for my Master’s book; I call upon you not to forget the book of the soul. Do not let newspapers, novels, and romances be read, while the prophets and apostles are despised. Do not let the exciting and sensual swallow up your attention, while the edifying and sanctifying can find no place in your mind.

The day will come

First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:3, 4 | NIV84)

That phrase, “first of all,” means what Peter is about to say is of vital importance. What was so important for his readers to know? Simply that in “the last days, scoffers would come.” Obviously, Peter believed he was living in the last days, so we today may be confident that we are most definitely living in the last of the last days! And in these last days, people who lead self-indulgent lives will come to doubt the coming of the Lord. They will deny the coming of the Lord because to them, it will have become a ridiculous notion.

It is true that there have always been doubters and scoffers. There were those who mocked and made fun of Noah, and of Lot in Sodom, and even of Jesus Himself. Some people may doubt honestly, like Thomas, but the honest doubter is not who Peter has in mind here. The people Peter wrote about were not merely doubters, but men who had now come to violently oppose the doctrine of the Second Coming. These false teachers repudiated the promise of His coming because, they argued, things never change. They taught that God created everything, but that He never intervenes in the course of human history. Their God is a cold, impersonal one. Surely that line of thinking characterizes 21st century man; God is not real to him therefore he feels no obligation to live righteously. Even in the Church of Jesus Christ there are those who never give a moment’s thought to the Lord’s return.

But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:5 – 7 | NIV84)

Peter’s handling of the false teachers was nothing less than brilliant. The scoffers insisted that God never intervenes; that things have always been the same, yet that isn’t true! Creation itself was a divine intervention and a disruption in history. Not only that, the same God who spoke about the Second Coming, also spoke the world into existence and He can speak it out existence. God’s Word starts, sustains, and stops all life. These false teachers were playing with the worst kind of fire; in the end this fire of God’s truth would consume them.

Verse 7 is not a prophecy so much as a promise: There will come a day when this world as we have come to know it, will be renovated by fire and the wicked judged. Indeed, things cannot and will not continue as they have been. The apostle John wrote about this very thing in Revelation 20:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. (revelation 20:1 | NIV84)

When we read what Peter wrote, those sobering words lead us to two inescapable conclusions: God is absolutely in control of this world, from beginning to end. Regardless of some people may teach or believe, God is control. And second, we Christians need to trust God and His Word.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8, 9 | NIV84)

Not only is God 100% in control, but He is always on time. The scoffers would have believers think that God has either abandoned them or is taking a nap or just doesn’t keep His promises, but God is not bound by man’s version of time. God exists way, way, way outside of any concept of time and space man’s puny brain can conceive. No, God is not dragging His feet when it comes to keeping His promises. God is not late, He’s never early, but always on time. God’s timing is never determined by outside circumstances or other people. He is always in control and His only motivation is love. God loved the world so much He gave the world His only Son. And it is because of His love for the world that Jesus has not come back yet. Ravi Zacharias wrote,

Time is the brush of God, as He paints His masterpiece on the heart of humanity.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. (2 Peter 3:10 | NIV84)

Scoffers and doubters and false teachers may come, most people may ignore the Word of God concerning the Second Coming, but as Peter put it, “the day of the Lord WILL come,” end of discussion. Our Lord said essentially the same thing:

So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. (Matthew 24:44 | NIV84)

The Day of the Lord may begin in secret, but it will end with stunning earth-changes that Peter mentioned in verse 7. This planet of ours that we consider so permanent and dependable will not endure as it is today. It will change as God does His thing.

Live as if it can happen any day

The great Adrian Rogers once said this:

We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.

He’s right. The suddenness of our Lord’s return is a great motivating factor in living right. This was a favorite teaching of Peter:

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. (2 Peter 3:11, 12 | NIV84)

This is Peter’s practical application for the heady doctrine of the Second Coming. All Christian doctrine should influence how we live because there must be a connection between what we believe and how we live. For the Christians of Peter’s day, the kind of global destruction Peter described would have seemed impossible. But in our day, it is not only possible but probable. Peter says it is not only probable, but an abslute certainty. It’s all part of God’s plan for man and the world. Given that, we should be ready and prepared for it can happen any time. Part of being ready for Jesus Christ’s return is living lives marked by righteousness and holiness.

Closely connected to how we should live is the worldview we adopt. Christians should be “looking forward to” the Second Coming. And, while God has His own timetable, apparently Christians can hasten or speed up the day by fulfilling some necessary conditions for it to take place. Some of those conditions could be these:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14 | NIV84)

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. (Acts 3:19, 20 | NIV84)

The doctrine of the Second Coming was never intended to be divisive. It should unite all believers in a common belief that encourages them keep the faith, keep trusting God, and keep living right. Matthew Henry said it best:

God will work when He pleases, how He pleases, and by what means He pleases. He is not bound to keep our time, but He will perform His word, honor our faith, and reward them that diligently seek Him.

Just Say Yes, Part 6

Published April 25, 2017 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: Just say yes, Revelation, Second Coming

In the New Testament, a significant number of people said “yes” to Jesus Christ. We’re looking at a handful of them in this series, and so far, we looked at five of them:

• A couple of blind men, followers of Jesus both, said “yes” to Jesus and were healed of their blindness, Matthew 9:28;
• Some disciples replied “yes” to the teachings of Jesus, even though they weren’t quite sure what He was talking about. In their case, “yes” was a statement of faith, Matthew 13:51;
• That Syrophonecian woman – a foreigner – agreed with Jesus’ designation of her as a “dog,” and immediately received exactly what she needed from Him, Matthew 15:27;
• When her brother Lazarus died, his sister Martha said “yes” to Jesus, as the Resurrection, John 11:27;
• Peter, the impetuous apostle, said “yes” to Jesus not once, but three times, pledging his love and devotion to the Lord, John 21:15, 16.

Saying “yes” to the Lord is showing Him and others that you have faith – faith in Him and in His Word and abilities. As we learn to say “yes” to Jesus, we are living in obedience to God’s will and we are creating the conditions in which God will bless us and answer our prayers.

Not only that, from the moment you said “yes” to God’s gracious invitation to salvation, at least four simple blessings began to flow into your life:

Peace

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility… (Ephesians 2:14 | NIV84)

Jesus Christ has “made the two one.” In other words, by saying “yes” to Jesus’ gift of salvation, He has immediately made peace between you and God. God’s not angry at you anymore. His wrath, previously directed at you because of your sin, is gone in a moment when you said “yes” to Him.

Purpose

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 3:10 | NIV84)

When you start living for God, He gives your life purpose. Once you lived for yourself – and that’s the loneliest way to live – but now you live for Him, and that means blessing others as God has blessed you. It means planning your days and nights around HIS will for you. It means consciously looking for all those “good works” God has prepared for you to do.

Fellowship

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household… (Ephesians 3:19 | NIV4)

Saying “yes” to God put you in a whole new family! You are now members of God’s family; and it’s a huge one! You are bound to believers from all time from all walks of life by the blood of Jesus. Not only that, when you said your first “yes” to God, you became a citizen of Heaven and enjoy all the rights and privileges that citizenship gives you.

Focus

For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 3:18 | NIV84)

Do you realize the profundity of that single verse? Because we said “yes” to God, we can enter His presence by His Spirit. We can pray with assurance that He hears our prayers. We can be guaranteed that He knows our needs and our desires. Through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we are able to focus on God because we are in His presence and we are made aware that He is our Sole Provider.

Peter wasn’t the only apostle who said “yes” to Jesus; John also said “yes” in the last chapter of the last book of the Bible:

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20 | NIV84)

Not only is that verse from the last chapter of the last book of the Bible, it also contains the last promise of the Bible and the last prayer of the Bible.

And, actually, there are two “yes’s” in that verse. Jesus said “yes” and John said “amen,” which is essentially as saying “yes” to what Jesus had just said “yes” to. Let’s take a look at John’s very consequential “yes.”

A profound book

The book of Revelation is truly profound. We call it a book, but really it’s just a long letter to seven churches, which are named for us in the first three chapters. This letter, or book, contains admonitions to those seven churches and it contains something else:

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 1:1, 2 \ NIV84)

When we read chapters 4 – 22, we are reading “the revelation of Jesus Christ.” That’s just a fancy way of saying that we are reading something that God showed Jesus, which He in turned showed to John, and John in turn showed to us through what he wrote to these seven churches. What God revealed to Jesus was nothing less than what the future holds for Jews, Gentiles, and the Church. It’s a book of prophecies concerning certain events that will take place, including the Second Coming of Jesus, and how those events will touch the lives of God’s people.

Every book in the Bible is just as important as the other, but Revelation is the climax and consummation of God’s Word to man. God has told man everything he needs to know to live the “good life,” and Revelation simply confirms everything the previous 65 book of the Bible said.

John put Jesus’ revelation from God to paper. John was an apostle, who also wrote the Gospel of John and three other letters. He was also a prophet and a leader of the churches in and around Asia Minor. He was the son of Zebedee and he and his family were very successful and prosperous fishermen. John was particularly close to Jesus, along with James and Peter. Even though he was mentioned only three times in the whole book of Acts, John was a key figure in the early Church. Tradition says that John eventually settled in Ephesus, where, under the reign of Domitian, he was arrested and banished to a small island known as Patmos to work in the mines there.

Revelation was one of the last parts of the New Testament written, some time in the 90’s. When you read the first three chapters, you can get a sense of how complacent the church had become during its second generation. It’s sad that most of those seven churches had already forsaken the beliefs and convictions of their fathers.

There are different ways to interpret the book of Revelation, and the purpose of this study is not to teach those differing schools of interpretation. Instead, I want to focus solely on the last few verses of the last chapter, which make the epilogue of the book.

The last words of the angel, 22:6 – 11

The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.” (Revelation 22:6 | NIV84)

This angel had been with John throughout the book and among his final words are words of reassurance John had heard before, and likely needed to hear again. The “words are trustworthy and true,” that is, the amazing things John had seen and heard are dependable – these incredible prophecies may be counted upon to take place.

God had given His Son His program for the future of mankind and Jesus gave that program to John to give to the churches. That program is profound and far reaching and so phenomenal, we need this reassurance that God will, as He has always done throughout history, keep His promises.

Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy.” (Revelation 22:10, 11 | NIV84)

The angel told John not to “conceal” or “hide” what he saw. It’s interesting that, given the dramatic similarities between this book and the Old Testament book of Daniel that Daniel was told to do exactly the opposite!

The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future. (Daniel 8:26 | NIV84)

Why? In Daniel’s day, the things he saw – essentially the same things John saw – were a long way from being fulfilled. But now, in John’s day, “the time is near.” Many of the things both Daniel and John saw concerned the early church. Some of those prophecies have already come to pass, in part or in whole, during the days of the Roman Empire. And yet, there are other prophecies that have a continuing fulfillment throughout the centuries. There’s a reason why history repeats itself. As Sherlock Holmes said in “The Valley of Fear,”

Everything comes in circles. The old wheel turns, and the same spoke comes up. It’s all been done before, and will be again.

That’s the way it is with some of the prophecies of Revelation and Daniel. But all the prophecies of Revelation, the partially fulfilled ones and the ones being continually fulfilled, will be completely fulfilled in the future, by the time Jesus comes back.

The time of man’s dominance on the earth will draw to an end; the age of grace that we are presently enjoying, the long probationary period, will be over:

“Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy.” (Revelation 22:11 | NIV84)

That’s a curious verse. What it simply means is that even in the very end of days, people will continue to live as they always have. Good or bad. And for those not repenting, it will be too late. That’s a scary thought. There will be a day when God’s patience and grace will run out.

The last words of Jesus, 22:12 – 16

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” (Revelation 22:12 | NIV84)

That’s Jesus talking and it’s exciting. We all know about salvation by grace. We all know about the Second Coming. But now we hear about rewards He will be bring with Him when He comes back! Salvation is entirely a work of grace, but rewards are based on our works.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Corinthians 3:11 – 15 | NIV84)

We don’t talk much about that, but rewards are a pretty big deal that should be talked about; they are a great motivation for living right. Don’t you like gifts? Jesus is coming back and He’s bringing rewards with Him.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16 | NIV84)

There you have it; that’s how we got this book of Revelation. Jesus sent that angel who was hanging around John all the time, to give the apostle “this testimony,” or the revelation to the seven churches. Everything John heard and saw came from Jesus. None of the visions or prophecies came out of John’s head.

This is Jesus, Son of God and Son of Man. He’s the “Root and the Offspring of David,” thus the true and promised King of kings; the fulfillment of all of God’s promises to Israel. He’s the “bright Morning Star,” because Jesus Christ IS the new day and the new dawn. To every believer, Christ is the Promise of new day. He shines today as brightly as in the day of John on Patmos. Jesus Christ: He doen’t set and He doesn’t fall.

The last words of the Spirit and the Bride, 22:17

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17 | NIV84)

Those are the words of the Holy Spirit and of the Church, collectively, crying out for the Lord to return, and crying out for those who are in need to come and receive the “free gift of the water of life.” Only Jesus can meet the needs of your heart. His gifts, His ‘water of life’ always satisfy; always give you what you need.

The last words of John. 22:18

He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:18 | NIV84)

John quotes Jesus; the Lord is coming soon. To everything that he has seen and heard, John says “Amen,” he says “yes.”

• “Yes” to the last words of the angel: everything in the book of Revelation is true, reliable, and dependable. In fact, ALL of God’s Word is true, reliable, and dependable!
• “Yes” to the last words of Jesus: He IS coming soon; He IS bringing rewards for His people; He is the genuine, long awaited King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
• “Yes” to the last words of the Spirit and the Church: Come Lord Jesus! Come all who need Him! Jesus Christ, the soon coming King is also the Source of everything you need – everything you will ever need!
• “Yes” was John’s final word to everything he saw and heard and to the promise of the Second Coming.

Yes! Amen! Those should be our final words, too.

7 Healthy Habits, Conclusion

Published March 11, 2016 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: 7 Habits, days of evil, habits, persecution, Second Coming, stand firm

IMG_20160311_075512 In all, there are seven healthy habits every Christian should cultivate in his life.

For most of us, our behavior is dictated by our habits. For example, a lot of us have to be at work at a certain time, so our bedtime is determined by habit; we get the sleep we think we need so we can stay awake and focused at work. If we like to shower every morning, we set our alarms at the same time so we can take the time to do that. Those are good habits, especially the showering one. So is brushing your teeth. Good habits make for a healthy, productive, and content life. Bad habits have the opposite effect. They make us nervous, short-tempered, grouchy, and hard to live with. The best way to rid yourself of bad (and sometimes dangerous) habits is simply to replace them with good ones. If you’re a Christian your new good habits should be Bible based and Christ-centered, like the ones we’ve already looked at. Here are the concluding two healthy habits for Christians.

Stand for Christ, Ephesians 6:13

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (NIV)

Anybody who has ever studied Paul’s letter to the Ephesians inevitably concludes that it is Paul’s masterpiece, at least as far as the Church is concerned. More than any of Paul’s other writings, this letter sets forth the ideals of Christian living within the Body of Christ . John Chrysostom wrote this about Ephesians:

This epistle is full to the brim of thoughts and doctrines sublime and momentous.

And Samuel Coleridge thought so highly of this letter, he described thusly:

It is the divinest composition of man.

High praise for a letter written to people long dead and to a church long since dissolved. Which is odd, since the great hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation,” was based inspired by this very letter.

The sixth healthy habit for Christians is based on a group of verses found near the end of the letter, Ephesians 6:10 – 20, and it has to do with the notion of standing for Christ. And this is one of the most practical pieces of advice Paul could give to Christians because most of us need it. One of the greatest misconceptions we have is to assume that our salvation exempts us trials and tribulations in life. In fact, the opposite is often the case. Jesus Himself, usually Mr Encouragement, taught that following Him will more likely than not cause problems, not end them. One time, He compared following Him to a king preparing to battle an enemy. The king has to fight smart; he has to used his head.

“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” (Luke 14:31 – 33 NIV)

Jesus’ point is not capitulation in the face of an enemy, but rather it is found in the king’s actions: he sat down to consider. In other words, in the face of battle, the key to victory is a cool head that makes preparations. In Ephesians, Paul teaches us that, like the battle-hardened king, the Christian faces conflict, and victory lies in the mind. That is, making sure we make the proper preparations to win. And for that, there are resources available.

The first resource is really just a mental attitude:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10 NIV)

You might wonder how this is a mental attitude. The word, “strong,” is a Greek word written in the present passive tense. That’s significant. It means being strong in the Lord must be, first of all, a continual thing. Christians need to always be strong in the Lord. But it also suggests that the source of strength lies outside of the Christian – it comes from Christ Himself. Christians are to be empowered by the Lord. The attitude is one of obedience and submission. We are to let the power of God be exercised in our lives. Victory over conflict in this life is passive on our part – we emerge on top by letting Christ do the work. The nature of the conflict is so serious, nothing less than what Paul referred to as “the power of His might” is enough for us to win. We don’t have the ability to win in ourselves; we need the power of God. “Power” is a word that refers to “working power,” power that is doing something, while “might” has to do with a reserve – an inherent strength. What Paul is getting at here is vitally important for us to grasp: we need the operating power of God, which comes from His endless reserves, to live victoriously.

That all sounds so easy. But it obviously isn’t, since Paul took the time write about it and the Holy Spirit preserved this letter for us. Back in chapter one, Paul wrote about his prayer for his Ephesian friends:

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (Ephesians 1:18, 19a NIV)

Paul wrote that slightly confusing sentence because we cannot comprehend God’s power in us, therefore we need to pray to Him so that He would open “the eyes of our hearts” so that we might finally understand the tremendous power to live righteously and victoriously that resides IN us. And furthermore, the apostle went to write this:

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being… (Ephesians 3:16 NIV)

Power, power everywhere is available to the Christian to live victoriously if we’ll allow it to flow through us. In the spiritual conflicts which we face every day, we must draw continually on Christ’s power. That goes for the individual Christian, but also for the Church, as it seeks to overcome the darkness of the world with the light of God. Tapping into that power will allow us to stand for Christ no matter what. Here’s the habit that will help us to do just that:

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. (Ephesians 6:11 NIV)

We must habitually “put on the full armor of God” to stand. The Greek behind “full armor” is the funny looking and sounding panoplian, which suggests “completeness.” Christians are to continually or habitually put on every piece of the available armor. Or enemy – Satan – who is behind all of our conflicts, is so formidable that we must clothe ourselves with all God has for us. Nobody – no Christian – has an inherent defense against Satan’s clever schemes. You will always fail going up against him without the full armor of God.

So the sixth healthy habit is standing firm.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13 NIV)

We need all of God’s resources to stand during “the day of evil,” which simply refers any time you are attacked by some temptation, discouragement or any crisis which would cause you to sin. The “evil day” is inevitable for every single Christian. Really, every day is “the day of evil.”

Watch for Christ’s Return, Mark 13:33

Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come. (Mark 13:33 NIV)

Speaking of “the day of evil,” the days in which Mark wrote his gospel were surely evil ones. Christians in Rome were being persecuted by Nero and his wicked policies making the 60’s a truly horrific decade to be a follower of Jesus Christ! Meanwhile, Christians in Jerusalem faced an uncertain future in the closing years of that same decade. So tumultuous were these years, Jerusalem would be essentially razed to the ground in 70 AD. It was in this atmosphere that Mark wrote chapter 13 of his Gospel – a chapter of reassurance mixed with commands dealing with how to face a bleak future. It’s prophetic in nature, but our final healthy habit is found in it.

This verse is part of Jesus’ famous Olivette Discourse, which is a little more complete and exciting in Matthew 24. The disciples were feeling good as they looked at the magnificent Temple in Jerusalem. But Jesus gave them a dose of reality:

“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Mark 13:2 NIV)

Sure, taught Jesus, things aren’t too bad right now, but “the day of evil” is coming. Things were going to get bad for believers in Jerusalem. And things are going to get bad for you too. I don’t have to be a prophet to tell you that. It’s life. Nothing ever stays the same for anybody. If times are bad, just wait, they’ll get better. And if times are good, enjoy them because it’s going to get bad. It’s just the way life is. That’s the way it was for the disciples and the Christians of the first century, and it’s the way it is for you, if you are a follower of Jesus Christ. When the dark times come, what do you do as a Christian facing those rough times? Jesus says watch for Him. Watch for His return.

Now, of course, large parts of the Olivette Discourse are eschatological – they deal with life during the Tribulation, a period of time yet to occur. During those finals years of life on earth as we know it, persecuted Jews and believers will need to take heart because Jesus will return in power and glory. But there is a something for us believers today. We may be encouraged in our discouragement by remembering that Jesus Christ is coming back. He hasn’t left us as orphans. He hasn’t by any stretch turned His back on we whom He gave His life to save. The healthy habit every Christian should cultivate in his life is this one: watching for the Lord’s return. He can come back any time. There is nothing keeping Jesus from returning except for the Father’s time table. Nobody can tell you just when Jesus will return, but He will. He promised to.

It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. (Mark 13:34 NIV)

We’re the servants. Believers have been left in charge of the Lord’s house. We each have a job to do.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15 – 17 NIV)

Jesus called them our “assigned tasks,” work that God has for us to do for His Kingdom, and Paul encouraged believers to “live as wise” people, “making the most of every opportunity.” The greatest opportunities to serve Christ and glorify God come when “the days are evil.” And only very foolish Christians don’t know what God’s will for them is.

The final healthy habit is an important one. Remember Jesus is returning; look for His Second Coming. Each one of us who calls himself a Christian needs to be making the most of every opportunity during rough days to serve the Lord. Much of that service involves putting in place healthy habits that become parts of our everyday routine. Let’s develop all seven healthy habits so that our lives will living testimonies to the greatness of God.

Jesus as King

Published March 2, 2016 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
Tags: Christmas prophecies, Isaiah 7, Isaiah 9, King of Kings, Second Coming

crown

During the Christmas season, we hear this prophecy many times. It’s a sad testimony to the state of Christian education and education in general in America that a lot of Christians and very few non-believers know where it comes from. It wasn’t Handel that wrote these words, it was the prophet Isaiah:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6, 7 TNIV)

The prophecies given in Isaiah chapters 7 – 12 were given during the reign of King Ahaz, king of Judah. The southern kingdom didn’t have too many bad kings, but Ahaz was one bad dude. Our prophet began his career as the national voice of God in the year King Uzziah died, who was a good king who reigned for some 52 years. Following him was his son, Jotham, who was a hypocritical phony. Ahaz was Jotham’s son, Uzziah’s grandson and he was just bad to the bone. It was during his tenure on the throne that Isaiah made these famous prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah. God’s people needed hope after enduring decades of shifty, evil leadership. To say that this was a dark time in Judah’s history would be an understatement. Many people had become disenchanted with the faith; they thought God had forsaken the nation. They needed to know that God was still there; that He still cared, but especially the people needed to know that God was still in control.

The countdown began with a child

The fact of the coming Messiah began with the prophecy found in Isaiah 7 –

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 TNIV)

We hear that verse all time in reference to Jesus Christ; that’s how the New Testament applied it, so we know that Jesus Christ’s birth was the final fulfilment of this wonderful prophecy. However, the word “therefore” is important because it tells us more is going on. Isaiah is speaking to evil king Ahaz. Here’s the context:

“The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is only Remaliah’s son. If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.’ ” Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights. ” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask; I will not put the Lord to the test. ” (Isaiah 7:9 – 12 TNIV)

Ahaz was facing a crisis and he didn’t know if he should seek help from the Lord or from the Assyians. He called on the prophet Isaiah for advice. Isaiah told him to ask God for a sign, but the stubborn king refused. But the Lord, through His prophet, was going to speak to Ahaz whether the king wanted to listen or not. That’s why the “therefore” is there as the beginning of verse 14.

Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, you house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of human beings? Will you try the patience of my God also?” (Isaiah 7:13 TNIV)

You have to admire Isaiah’s straightforwardness! He’d had it with the house of David – the ruling elite of his day. The people were fed up with them, he was fed up with them, and the prophet invoked the Lord – the Lord was growing impatient with the house of David. “Therefore,” like it or not, God was going to give the house of David a sign.

The immediate fulfilment of this prophecy is found in the very next chapter –

Then I made love to the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. And the Lord said to me, “Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. Before the boy knows how to say ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria. ” (Isaiah 8:3 – 4 TNIV)

God used Isaiah’s son, with the unfortunate name of Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, as a living clock; a way to indicate how soon disaster would overtake the nation. It would happen before the kid would be able to talk.

Here am I, and the children the Lord has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the Lord Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion. (Isaiah 8:18 TNIV)

Signs, wonders, portents…Israel was going to fall to the Assyrians and it was going to happen soon. God used Isaiah and his family as an indicator. The house of David needed to pay attention and get its house in order or what eventually happened to Israel would happen to them.

Historically, Isaiah’s living prophecy came to pass. King Ahaz, king of Judah, was scared of that the Syrian-Israel coalition, yet his fears were unfounded. Within 65 years, all the nations that threatened him were destroyed. He should have trusted in the Lord. But, while Judah survived intact, much devastation occurred at the hand of the Assyrians.

If this teaches us anything it’s the importance of keeping our faith and our focus on God. The real problems of life – the real threats we may face – are not our circumstances. The real issue is whether or not we will trust the Lord no matter.

Another child

God had used a child to teach a lesson. Here in chapter 9 of Isaiah, the prophet’s attention shifts from the immediate future of Judah and his people to the future. And the Lord will use another child to teach His people that, even though they felt abandoned by God, He in no way had forgotten them and even during this dark time of Hebrew history, the Lord was working to accomplish His purposes for His people.

By this time, Judah was suffering. They hadn’t been destroyed by the Assyrians, but the Assyrians had inflicted considerable damage to the kingdom. However, all was not lost.

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:1, 2 TNIV)

There was no need for hopelessness. There would come a Messiah who would make things right and restore the glory of the kingdom. Of course, that would be in the future. Here’s the fulfilment of the first couple of verses –

Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:13 – 16 TNIV)

Verse 2 has reference to the first coming. Even though Isaiah wrote it in the past tense, it was yet to occur. When Jesus came, light dawned on a dark world.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 TNIV)

That “great light” burst forth out of Galilee as Jesus began His public ministry there. But all was not well. In between verses 2 and 3 there is a gap, that so far has lasted over 2,000 years.

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as soldiers rejoice when dividing the plunder. (Isaiah 9:3 TNIV)

There was no joy in Israel during the time of Jesus and certainly none after He ascended to Heaven. The things Isaiah wrote about in verses 3 – 5 will occur in the future. You may wonder why Isaiah didn’t talk about things happening today, during the present 2,000+ year gap. The answer is simple. During this period, God has called out the Church and is working through the Church. This was hidden from Isaiah and all the Old Testament prophets. Try as you might, you won’t find the Church anywhere in a word of prophecy. On this, Paul helps us out –

Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to faith and obedience… (Romans 16:25, 26 TNIV)

The “mystery” Paul wrote about is the Church. Isaiah passed over what wasn’t revealed to him. But, what was revealed to him is something we talk about, read about, and sing about every year: the birth of the Christ child.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 TNIV)

The first phrase, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” is Jesus at His first coming. Everything after that will be Jesus at His triumphant Second Coming. At that time, our Lord will be the earth’s true, only, and final King, because “on his shoulder” will rest all the authority He needs to be the greatest King and Sovereign this planet has ever known. What follows in this stunning verse are not only descriptions but titles of Jesus Christ as King.

Wonderful, Counsellor. These two words should be hyphenated. King Jesus will be a Wonder of a Counsellor. All the wisdom of the universe, of the ages, will reside in our coming King.

“Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” (Romans 11:34 TNIV)

Our King needs no counsellor; He needs no advisors. He doesn’t come to decisions based on meetings held in His office. Jesus Christ, the coming King, is Wisdom personified.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30 TNIV)

Mighty God. Our King will be the Divine Warrior. He is the One to whom “all power is given.” He is not only omniscient, but also omnipotent. The Hebrew is El Gibbor. ‘El’ always refers to the Godhead in an absolute sense. In Jesus rests all – all – the power of the Godhead.

Everlasting Father. The Hebrew is beautiful: Avi – Ad, the “Father of Eternity.” What a description of the King of Kings! He is the Father in perpetuity. He will always be our Heavenly Father. The idea Isaiah is putting across is one of time and space. The child who was born 2,000 years ago is the Father of time and space. There is not a nook or cranny the whole universe where Jesus Christ is not the Father. There is no point in space or time where He is not present.

Prince of Peace. This final name suggests the characteristics of His rule: peace, complete, absolute peace on earth. The Hebrew word is shalom, which not only indicates an absence of war and strife, also speaks of a condition of health, harmony, and complete well-being in every way.

There can be no peace on earth until Jesus Christ returns as its true, final King. His government will be perfect – it will grow and increase. He will sit on the throne of His father, David. How will all this come about?: God will cause it all to happen.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:7 TNIV)

Man may have his plans. Nations may plot and scheme plans that will take them decades out into the future, but God’s zeal – His perfect and holy will – will always come to pass in spite of what man thinks or wants.

« Previous Page — Next Page »

Mike's Place on the Web

Posts Tagged 'Second Coming'

Peter and Jude, Part 5

Just Say Yes, Part 6

7 Healthy Habits, Conclusion

Jesus as King

Recent Posts

Another great day!

Meta

Blog Stats

Jump To…

Never miss a new post again.

Archives

Email Subscription

Top Studies

Places I find interesting

Who’d have guessed?

My Conservative Identity: