Letter to Pergamos (Rev. 2:12-17)
Information about the church in Pergamos. Pergamos (or Pergamum) means high tower or thoroughly married. The Asian headquarters for the cult emperor worship was located in Pergamos and was called the place of Satan's throne. Antipas was the first known Asian to die because he refused to worship the emperor. But still with all the evil paganism that surrounded them the church had remained loyal to Christ.
m (V12) "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges."
(V12) In this verse Christ presents Himself as the One who has a double-edged sword.
(V13) "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and has not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth."
(V13) We find that He knew their works, where they lived, and their ability to hold fast to the faith. Again, we find a church that should cause some of our churches to sit up and take notice, although what they were doing good did not furnish a covering for the bad.
(V14) "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
(V14) We find that nothing escapes the all seeing eye of God when He examines their record. He graciously tells them that He has a few things against them. Among their charges were eating things sacrificed to idols and fornication which was the Balaam doctrine.
(V15) "So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate."
(V15) I think all churches should use this not only as loving instructions to a troubled church, but as a stern warning to clean up their act and start preaching Jesus Christ, not only as our precious Savior, but the way, the truth, and the life: the only way to the Father!
(V16) "Repent; or else I will come unto you quickly, and I will fight against thee with the sword of my mouth."
(V16) He quickly turns from commending the church in Pergamos to warning them to repent or else He would come unto them quickly and would fight against them. There is no way I could fathom God fighting against me. If he were my enemy I would soon be falling in the loser's corner.
(V17) "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
(V17) In this last verse to the Pergamos church the Holy Spirit is calling out to all the seven churches to hear what he is saying. The overcomer would be given hidden manna and a white stone. According to some bible scholars manna is a type of Christ Himself. It may speak of heavenly food in contrast to food offered to idols. According to William MacDonald, in the Believer's Bible Commentary Hidden manna may be "some sweet, secret communion with Himself, known in the glory as the One who suffered here." The white stone has been explained in several ways. It was a token of acquittal in a legal case. It was a symbol of victory in an athletic contest. It was an expression of a welcome given by a host to his guest. It seems clear that it is a reward given by the Lord to the overcomer and expressing individual approval by Him. Alford says, "That the new name indicates acceptance by God and title to glory." Historically, the church probably represents the time soon after Constantine, when the church was thoroughtly married to the state. Thousands became nominal christians, and the church tolerated pagan practices in the midst. The overcomer in Pergamos may be a child of God who refuses to tolerate false teaching in the local church. This should be a great inspiration to the individual member of any church today. By refusing to tolerate false teaching, he or she alone can be instrumental in waking up the sleeping giants and inspiring our wayward nation to turn back to the ONE TRUE GOD!
Are YOU Rapture ready??
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA MINOR
Letter to Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11)
(V8) "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;"
(V8) Smyrna means myrrh or bitterness. Here Jesus Christ presents Himself as the First and the Last, who was dead and came to life again. Even today this representation of Him would be comforting to all who are threatened by death on a daily basis.
(V9) "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."
(V9) He told them that He knew the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not. This could very well be for so-called Christians who will buy their way into the Last Day congregations and have never been born again. So-called ministers who are called by daddy, mommy, church, wife or pulpit positioned by an organization, much too often turn out to be hirelings. When everything is going smoothly they're in it for the long haul, but when the going gets rough and tough, they break and run, as hirelings always do. In verse 9 we find how the Lord dealt with this church. First, He commended them for their works. Secondly, He told them that He knew they were facing tribulation and poverty, but they were greatly comforted when he told them they were rich. In verse 10 He again comforts them by telling them not to fear any of those things that they will suffer.
(V10) "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
(V10) This time of tribulation testing may refer to ten literal days; to ten distinct persecutions under the Roman emperors who preceded Constantine; or to ten years of persecution under Diocletian. This verse tells those who will face death for their faith in Christ not to relent and He would give them the crown of life. While some commentators believe that crown of life is eternal life, others including William MacDonald (Bible Believers Commentary) think that it is a special reward for martyrs. If they stand their ground until the end they will not be affected by the second death, the doom of all unbelievers. The second death implies that there is a first death. The difference between the two deaths is that when we as Christians die the first time we will be raised from the dead to live eternally with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As priests of God and Christ we will rule and reign with Him in the Millennial Kingdom. At the second death, all sinners will be raised to stand at the great white throne. Revelations 20:11 "And I (John) saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away; and there has found no place for them." John saw the great judge of all the universe sitting on the throne to judge all whose names that were not found written in the Lamb's Book of Life. (See Rev. 20:14) "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." (Rev. 20:15) "And whoseoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
(V11) "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."
(V11) Again those who have a hearing ear are encouraged to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying. The overcomers in the church would be exempt from the second death. An overcomer is someone whose genuine faith can be proven by making heaven his choice with a good conscience, rather than being left on earth with a bad one.
Are YOU Rapture ready??
(V8) "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;"
(V8) Smyrna means myrrh or bitterness. Here Jesus Christ presents Himself as the First and the Last, who was dead and came to life again. Even today this representation of Him would be comforting to all who are threatened by death on a daily basis.
(V9) "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."
(V9) He told them that He knew the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not. This could very well be for so-called Christians who will buy their way into the Last Day congregations and have never been born again. So-called ministers who are called by daddy, mommy, church, wife or pulpit positioned by an organization, much too often turn out to be hirelings. When everything is going smoothly they're in it for the long haul, but when the going gets rough and tough, they break and run, as hirelings always do. In verse 9 we find how the Lord dealt with this church. First, He commended them for their works. Secondly, He told them that He knew they were facing tribulation and poverty, but they were greatly comforted when he told them they were rich. In verse 10 He again comforts them by telling them not to fear any of those things that they will suffer.
(V10) "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
(V10) This time of tribulation testing may refer to ten literal days; to ten distinct persecutions under the Roman emperors who preceded Constantine; or to ten years of persecution under Diocletian. This verse tells those who will face death for their faith in Christ not to relent and He would give them the crown of life. While some commentators believe that crown of life is eternal life, others including William MacDonald (Bible Believers Commentary) think that it is a special reward for martyrs. If they stand their ground until the end they will not be affected by the second death, the doom of all unbelievers. The second death implies that there is a first death. The difference between the two deaths is that when we as Christians die the first time we will be raised from the dead to live eternally with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As priests of God and Christ we will rule and reign with Him in the Millennial Kingdom. At the second death, all sinners will be raised to stand at the great white throne. Revelations 20:11 "And I (John) saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away; and there has found no place for them." John saw the great judge of all the universe sitting on the throne to judge all whose names that were not found written in the Lamb's Book of Life. (See Rev. 20:14) "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death." (Rev. 20:15) "And whoseoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
(V11) "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."
(V11) Again those who have a hearing ear are encouraged to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying. The overcomers in the church would be exempt from the second death. An overcomer is someone whose genuine faith can be proven by making heaven his choice with a good conscience, rather than being left on earth with a bad one.
Are YOU Rapture ready??
Friday, February 17, 2012
SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA MINOR
Letter to Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7)
(V1) "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks."
(V1) The Lord introduces Himself to the church in Ephesus as the One who holds the seven stars (the angels or messengers) of the seven churches in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven lampstands (the churches themselves). See Chapter 1 for more similarities of His introduction to the Ephesus church.
(V2) "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou has tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and has found them liars:"
(V2) In this verse the Lord commended them for their good works. In fact, they were increasing daily in good works. Plus they had the ability to discern false Apostles and to deal with them accordingly. In reality, I don't know a pastor that would not jump at the chance to have this church. In the real world, many of the mega churches have become nothing but colossal sit-ins. While they sit-in the warm plush sanctuary of their own titanic structurre, there are hungry multitudes under the shadow of their steeples sleeping on cold concrete and dying lost.
(V3) "And hast borne, and hast patientce, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and has not fainted." (V4) "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."
(V 3,4) "For the sake of the name of Christ, they had endured trials and adversity while tirelessly performing their daily labors. But the tragedy of the church of Ephesus was that they had lost their first love. The fire of their affection had gone out. The glory of it's early days had lost its glow. The true motive for all worship and service was missing. They were still sound in doctrine and active in service but the love they once knew had faded away.
(V5) "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."
(V5) Then by the way of instruction He warns the church to return and repent and do their first works or else he would remove the church and it would no longer exist.
(V6) "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."
(V6) He commends them again concerning the hatred deeds of the Nicolaitans. Though no one knows for sure who these people were, some think they were followers of a man named Nicolas. Others point out that the name means "rule over the laity" and see in this a reference to the rise of the clerical system.
(V7) "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
(V7) In this verse He encourages those who have ears to hear God's word to listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. A promise is then extended to the overcomer. Generally speaking, an overcomer in the New Testament is one who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (See 1 John 5). In other words, a true believer. His faith enables him to overcome all the temptations and sinful enticements that would lure a Christian off the straight and narrow way. Perhaps in each of the letters the Word has an additional thought connected with the condition in that particular church. According to William MacDonald in the Believers Bible Commentary, "an overcomer in Ephesus may be one who shows the genuineness of his faith by repenting when he has backslidden from his first love." All that do such things shall eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. This tells all overcomers that they will live in the paradise of God. Ephesus is often taken to describe the church soon after the death of the Apostles. In most modern churches today you will find 60 percent of the congregation comprise the gossiping section while the other 40 percent eyes the pastor to make sure he toes their mark and walks the committee line.
In closing, you will find information about the beginning of the church of Ephesus. The church of Ephesus was established by the Apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. In Acts Chapters 18-20 we find a lengthy but very valuable description of it. There the beloved Apostle entered into a synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. (Acts 18:19). Among the other notables who labored with Paul were a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla and because they were of the same craft as Paul (tentmakers) he abode with them. And we must also add to the roster, Apollos, a Jew, who was an eloquent man and mighty in the scriptures. Time cannot erase the indelible touch that John the Apostle of Love added to this church.
Dear Reader: There is one question that I want to ask you from the depths of my heart, "Are YOU Rapture ready??
Next week's blog: Letter to the Church in Smyrna
(V1) "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks."
(V1) The Lord introduces Himself to the church in Ephesus as the One who holds the seven stars (the angels or messengers) of the seven churches in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven lampstands (the churches themselves). See Chapter 1 for more similarities of His introduction to the Ephesus church.
(V2) "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou has tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and has found them liars:"
(V2) In this verse the Lord commended them for their good works. In fact, they were increasing daily in good works. Plus they had the ability to discern false Apostles and to deal with them accordingly. In reality, I don't know a pastor that would not jump at the chance to have this church. In the real world, many of the mega churches have become nothing but colossal sit-ins. While they sit-in the warm plush sanctuary of their own titanic structurre, there are hungry multitudes under the shadow of their steeples sleeping on cold concrete and dying lost.
(V3) "And hast borne, and hast patientce, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and has not fainted." (V4) "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."
(V 3,4) "For the sake of the name of Christ, they had endured trials and adversity while tirelessly performing their daily labors. But the tragedy of the church of Ephesus was that they had lost their first love. The fire of their affection had gone out. The glory of it's early days had lost its glow. The true motive for all worship and service was missing. They were still sound in doctrine and active in service but the love they once knew had faded away.
(V5) "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."
(V5) Then by the way of instruction He warns the church to return and repent and do their first works or else he would remove the church and it would no longer exist.
(V6) "But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."
(V6) He commends them again concerning the hatred deeds of the Nicolaitans. Though no one knows for sure who these people were, some think they were followers of a man named Nicolas. Others point out that the name means "rule over the laity" and see in this a reference to the rise of the clerical system.
(V7) "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
(V7) In this verse He encourages those who have ears to hear God's word to listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. A promise is then extended to the overcomer. Generally speaking, an overcomer in the New Testament is one who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (See 1 John 5). In other words, a true believer. His faith enables him to overcome all the temptations and sinful enticements that would lure a Christian off the straight and narrow way. Perhaps in each of the letters the Word has an additional thought connected with the condition in that particular church. According to William MacDonald in the Believers Bible Commentary, "an overcomer in Ephesus may be one who shows the genuineness of his faith by repenting when he has backslidden from his first love." All that do such things shall eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. This tells all overcomers that they will live in the paradise of God. Ephesus is often taken to describe the church soon after the death of the Apostles. In most modern churches today you will find 60 percent of the congregation comprise the gossiping section while the other 40 percent eyes the pastor to make sure he toes their mark and walks the committee line.
In closing, you will find information about the beginning of the church of Ephesus. The church of Ephesus was established by the Apostle Paul on his second missionary journey. In Acts Chapters 18-20 we find a lengthy but very valuable description of it. There the beloved Apostle entered into a synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. (Acts 18:19). Among the other notables who labored with Paul were a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla and because they were of the same craft as Paul (tentmakers) he abode with them. And we must also add to the roster, Apollos, a Jew, who was an eloquent man and mighty in the scriptures. Time cannot erase the indelible touch that John the Apostle of Love added to this church.
Dear Reader: There is one question that I want to ask you from the depths of my heart, "Are YOU Rapture ready??
Next week's blog: Letter to the Church in Smyrna
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
MEAT IN DUE SEASON
As we travel down the Apocalyptic Highway we can hear the increasing rumble of mighty war machines just over the stormy horizon. As I write this article great tension is building between Israel and Iran. From our living rooms we are frightened every time we hear the word "nuclear" as men march toward the Valley of Megiddo. Even though we can see the end time signs clouding up the prophetical skies we're left to ask what will it take to wake up the sleeping church?
I think before we can wake up the church we first have to wake up the preachers that put them to sleep. Many pastors today are preaching a message completely out of season. They think that end time prophecy (which includes both Heaven and Hell) puts condemnation on their congregation while totally disregarding what God said through Paul in Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
In Matthew 24:45,46 Jesus asked a question and promises a blessing, "Who then is a wise and faithful servant, whom the Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."
When a church congregation has been put to sleep by a wordless preacher the least little movement will disturb them and like little babies they will begin fussing, fighting, and gossiping. In the mid-seventies while I was in a crusade in the London, Kentucky area, the Lord taught me a lesson that I will never forget. While having lunch in a nice restaurant I couldn't help but hear two fancy dressed women who had tongues so long and sharp they could get a peanut out of a Coke bottle. It seemed they knew everybody in the entire area and everything about them as well. As I sat there, I noticed that they hadn't been served their food yet. At that time, a thought came to me to keep listening and watching. Sometime later the slow moving waitress brought their food and instantly, all I could hear was the sound of knives, forks, and spoons hitting the plate. The women were now talking about how good and delicious the food tasted. At that time the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart and said, "That's the way my children are when they get hungry for my Word, feed them meat!" When all they hear is feel good sugar-coated sermons about how good Sister Susie sang her song in the seniors' social session on Sunday.
The scriptures speak very plainly in chapter 5:12-14 in the book of Hebrews about meat and milk. (V12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat; (V13) For everyone that useth milk is skillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (V14) But strong meat belonged to them that are of full age, even those by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
These verses bring out the difference between a baby in a high chair with a nipple in it's mouth and a much older child that has lived and learned for awhile. In my way of thinking, if I walked into a home and found a baby talking gibberish I would probably talk back to them in a little gibberish of my own. On the other hand, if I walked into a home to find a perfectly healthy 12 year old sitting in a high chair talking gibberish I would think that something fouled up somewhere along the way. Will everyone who has sat on a church pew service after service and heard nothing but milk sermons be able to eat the strong meat? In a church where nothing but the Word is preached you will find many strong Christians who have exercised their senses, and therefore will be able to eat the strong meat!
Dear Reader, I hope that you are going to a church where the pastor knows the times and the seasons so that he would be able to feed you Meat in Due Season!
Until He Comes Again,
I think before we can wake up the church we first have to wake up the preachers that put them to sleep. Many pastors today are preaching a message completely out of season. They think that end time prophecy (which includes both Heaven and Hell) puts condemnation on their congregation while totally disregarding what God said through Paul in Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
In Matthew 24:45,46 Jesus asked a question and promises a blessing, "Who then is a wise and faithful servant, whom the Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."
When a church congregation has been put to sleep by a wordless preacher the least little movement will disturb them and like little babies they will begin fussing, fighting, and gossiping. In the mid-seventies while I was in a crusade in the London, Kentucky area, the Lord taught me a lesson that I will never forget. While having lunch in a nice restaurant I couldn't help but hear two fancy dressed women who had tongues so long and sharp they could get a peanut out of a Coke bottle. It seemed they knew everybody in the entire area and everything about them as well. As I sat there, I noticed that they hadn't been served their food yet. At that time, a thought came to me to keep listening and watching. Sometime later the slow moving waitress brought their food and instantly, all I could hear was the sound of knives, forks, and spoons hitting the plate. The women were now talking about how good and delicious the food tasted. At that time the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart and said, "That's the way my children are when they get hungry for my Word, feed them meat!" When all they hear is feel good sugar-coated sermons about how good Sister Susie sang her song in the seniors' social session on Sunday.
The scriptures speak very plainly in chapter 5:12-14 in the book of Hebrews about meat and milk. (V12) For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat; (V13) For everyone that useth milk is skillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. (V14) But strong meat belonged to them that are of full age, even those by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
These verses bring out the difference between a baby in a high chair with a nipple in it's mouth and a much older child that has lived and learned for awhile. In my way of thinking, if I walked into a home and found a baby talking gibberish I would probably talk back to them in a little gibberish of my own. On the other hand, if I walked into a home to find a perfectly healthy 12 year old sitting in a high chair talking gibberish I would think that something fouled up somewhere along the way. Will everyone who has sat on a church pew service after service and heard nothing but milk sermons be able to eat the strong meat? In a church where nothing but the Word is preached you will find many strong Christians who have exercised their senses, and therefore will be able to eat the strong meat!
Dear Reader, I hope that you are going to a church where the pastor knows the times and the seasons so that he would be able to feed you Meat in Due Season!
Until He Comes Again,
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
THE GREAT OLIVET DISCOURSE
PART #2
In Part One of The Great Olivet Discourse we learned that the apostles wanted Jesus to be impressed by the magnificent gold trimmed, white marble temple as they were, but to their utter amazement he warned them that the building woud be so destroyed that there would be no stone left on top of the other. William MacDonald in his previously mentioned Bible Believers Commentary gives a vivid picture of the fulfillment of this warning. He writes, "Titus tried unsuccessfully to save the temple, but his soldiers put it to the torch, thus fulfilling Christ's prophecy. When the fire melted the gold trim, the molten metal ran down between the stones. To get at it, the soldiers had to remove the stones one by one, just as our Lord predicted. The judgment was executed in AD 70 when the Romans under Titus sacked Jerusalem."
In Matthew 24:3-14 we find the first half of the tribulation period. Verse three states that after Jesus had crossed over to the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, and asked Him three questions: (1) When would these things happen; that is, when would the temple be destroyed? (2) What would be the sign of His coming; that is, what supernatural event would precede His return to the earth to set up His kingdom? (3) What would be the sign of the end of the age immediately prior to His glorious reign? (The second and third questions are essentially the same.) We must remember that the Jewish disciples' thinking revolved around the glorious age of the Messiah on earth. They were not thinking about the Rapture of the Church for they knew little, if anything, about this phase of His coming. Their expectation was His coming in power and glory to destroy His enemies and rule over the world. Also, we should be clear that they were not talking about the end of the world (as in the KJV), but the end of the age.
(V.4) And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Take heed that no man deceive you. (V.5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many (Jeremiah 23:21). (V.6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (V.7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (V.8) All these are the beginning of sorrows (V.9) Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (V.10) And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." (Read 2 Timothy 1:15; 4:10, 16).
(Read Romans 10:18; Colossians 1:6, 23).
In Part One of The Great Olivet Discourse we learned that the apostles wanted Jesus to be impressed by the magnificent gold trimmed, white marble temple as they were, but to their utter amazement he warned them that the building woud be so destroyed that there would be no stone left on top of the other. William MacDonald in his previously mentioned Bible Believers Commentary gives a vivid picture of the fulfillment of this warning. He writes, "Titus tried unsuccessfully to save the temple, but his soldiers put it to the torch, thus fulfilling Christ's prophecy. When the fire melted the gold trim, the molten metal ran down between the stones. To get at it, the soldiers had to remove the stones one by one, just as our Lord predicted. The judgment was executed in AD 70 when the Romans under Titus sacked Jerusalem."
In Matthew 24:3-14 we find the first half of the tribulation period. Verse three states that after Jesus had crossed over to the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, and asked Him three questions: (1) When would these things happen; that is, when would the temple be destroyed? (2) What would be the sign of His coming; that is, what supernatural event would precede His return to the earth to set up His kingdom? (3) What would be the sign of the end of the age immediately prior to His glorious reign? (The second and third questions are essentially the same.) We must remember that the Jewish disciples' thinking revolved around the glorious age of the Messiah on earth. They were not thinking about the Rapture of the Church for they knew little, if anything, about this phase of His coming. Their expectation was His coming in power and glory to destroy His enemies and rule over the world. Also, we should be clear that they were not talking about the end of the world (as in the KJV), but the end of the age.
(V.4) And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Take heed that no man deceive you. (V.5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many (Jeremiah 23:21). (V.6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (V.7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (V.8) All these are the beginning of sorrows (V.9) Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (V.10) And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." (Read 2 Timothy 1:15; 4:10, 16).
(Read Romans 10:18; Colossians 1:6, 23).
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