Posts Tagged ‘last days’

Scripture reading for November 29th: 2nd Peter 3:1-18

The last days, according to Peter, will bring scoffers and mockers of God and His truth.  Peter continued to remind the church about their need to stay close to God’s word and apply it to their lives.  Knowledge would be of no value if not applied!  A day of judgment was coming that would reveal the truth about our faith and Peter wanted his flock to be prepared and ready.  It would require some diligent effort on their part!

The mockers of the last days will use the failure of Jesus to come back again as He promised as a reason to leave the faith.    Peter pointed out that those of Noah’s day mocked Noah as he built the ark and warned of the coming judgment.  But there was a day when the earth was destroyed by water, just as God promised!  Peter also stated: “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.” (2nd Peter 3:7)

Why was God so slow in bringing about His promises then?  Peter stated God’s heart to the church so that they might have an answer for the scoffers.  “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.” (2nd Peter 3:8-9)  God’s heart is merciful to those who are slow to believe and even to the mockers.  He is allowing them time to repent before the final judgment!

“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.  Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people out you to be?” (2nd Peter 3:10-11)

Peter encouraged these believers to ‘make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.” (2nd Peter 3:14)  Truth from God’s word calls for diligent action!  Every effort must be made to come to Christ and cling to His Gospel.  This truth is to be shared!  Jesus will come suddenly!

Scripture reading for December 23rd: Jude

“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.  For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you.  They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.” (Jude3-4)

Jude was the half-brother of Jesus.  He became a follower and disciple of Christ and understood the salvation that Jesus bought and paid for.  It was not the cheap grace that was being peddled by some of the false teachers of his day and ours!  Jude wanted the church to contend earnestly for the faith that brought true repentance and a changed life.  This was the only kind of faith that could save and deliver a person from eternal condemnation.

The false teachers had come from the ranks of the church.  They were evidently taking the wonderful message of God’s grace and forgiveness of sins and making that a license to continue living in sin.  In doing so, they were actually denying Jesus Christ and His sacrifice of His own body and blood to deliver us from the power of sin.  (Romans 6:11-14)  Sin is no longer our master, but by His Spirit we can overcome sin’s grip!  These false teachers were teaching believers that they could continue to live in sin and that God’s grace would cover their sins, thus dividing the church.  Jude wrote that this lie would lead to eternal condemnation and separation from God!

Jude had a remedy:  “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.  Keep yourselves in the God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life.  Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear–hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” (Jude 20-23)  The fight of faith requires Spirit inspired prayer!  This builds us up and keeps us in God’s river of love.  It enables us to reach out to those who struggle and snatch them from the fire!  Fight the good fight of faith!

Scripture reading for October 13th: Matthew 24-25

“As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately.  “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3)  Jesus’ disciples were responding to a statement that Jesus made as they had left the temple.  He had stated that every stone would be thrown down in the beautiful temple.  The disciples knew that Jesus was coming back again and the present age would end.  This question is important for us today, because we are still waiting for Jesus to return.  Let’s look again at Jesus’ insight!

The first sign of the end, according to Jesus, was the rise of false teachers and prophets.  (Matthew 24:4-5)  Deception of people by satanic religious lies would be wide-spread right before the end.  These false prophets would claim to be sent by God and to speak for God.  Some of them would even claim to be “Christ” and many people would fall for their lie!

There would also be an increase in wars and political unrest among the nations.  This would be coupled with natural disasters such as earthquakes and famines around the world.  These factors would cause much fear and distress among the inhabitants of the earth just before Jesus would come.  These things were likened to “birth pains” that preceded the coming of a baby.  When they began to happen, look out!  (Matthew 24:6-8)

The next sign was persecution of believers.  Followers of Jesus Christ would be hated by all nations and put to death for their faith.  Because of the persecution, many would fall away and others’ love for Christ would grow cold.  There would be those among the faithful who would betray others and false teaching would cause divisions in the body of Christ.  This would call for perseverance and patience on the part of true followers of Christ.

The final sign Jesus gave concerned the mission of His followers.  “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)  As believers in the last day, the mission of reaching the nations must not be dropped!  Jesus is patiently waiting for His followers to preach His Gospel to all nations.  Are you doing your part?

Dear Friends,

We are living in the exciting times of the last days mentioned often in Scripture.  These are days of great trials and troubles.  Earthquakes and wars are common news.  There are signs of the coming of the Lord in the news and we can feel an urgency in our hearts to be ready and help others get prepared.  The greatest event of history is the coming of Jesus Christ as King of Kings and it could happen any day!

In the last week’s readings, the prophet Joel had much to say in his short book.  He initially saw the destruction of the land by a swarm of locusts that represented the army of Assyria.  Later, he was given a vision of the restoration of Israel after its destruction and judgment.  The autumn rains would come and abundant showers would restore the parched and barren land.  God would repay His people for the years that the locusts had eaten!  (Joel 2:23-25)

This rain was really a picture of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Last days!  (Joel 2:28-32)  (Acts 2:16-21)  God was planning a Holy Spirit outpouring that would cause men and women, young and old, Jew and Gentile to be filled with the Holy Spirit.  They would prophesy, dream dreams and see visions.  God would do miracles, signs and wonders and everyone who called on the name of the Lord would be saved!  There would be a great deliverance for Jerusalem and Mount Zion.

We are living in these very days!  There is deliverance for all who will call on the Name of Jesus Christ!  We who know Him are filled with the Holy Spirit and have power to share the Gospel; the Lord can use us to bring healing and miraculous acts of His grace to those who are being witnessed to.  Let’s allow the Lord to use us daily and expect Him to confirm His word with supernatural signs!  We serve an awesome God!  The best is yet to come!

In His Love,

Pastor John

Scripture reading for April 1st: 2nd Samuel 19-20

After the rebellion of Absalom, King David was in mourning for the loss of this beloved son.  Even though this son had tried to take over his throne and kill him, David wished that he himself was dead instead!  This is the heart of God for all who perish outside of His grace!  He wishes none to perish but all to come to receive salvation!  (1st Timothy 2:3-4)  Joab, the commander of David’s army calls the king out of his mourning to be thankful for those who risked their lives to support him.

As King David returned, there were many things to make right again.  Rebellion leaves a residue.  People’s hearts are tested and their loyalties become clear.  Not everyone had sided with the king!  Some had openly dishonored him and some were still in rebellion.  David must again sit at the city gate and judge and encourage the people.  He must establish a team of advisers and leaders who will be loyal to help him.  As we read these chapters of 2nd Samuel, it is interesting to note how the king deals with these various situations.

First, David summoned the elders of Judah to meet with him.  Shimei, the Benjamite who had cursed David came with them with a thousand of his brothers and fell at the king’s feet, begging for mercy. (2nd Samuel 19:16-23)  Abishai recommended that he be put to death, but David gave mercy!  Revenge was not in his heart this day!   Mephiboseth, Saul’s grandson came before David and gave a conflicting story with that of his servant Ziba.  David gave a wise answer and did not make a judgment.  Barzillai, David’s friend and adviser came and David blessed him and gave him what he desired.

As we look at these events and how people came before David, I think ahead to the return of our King, Jesus Christ!  The return of Jesus will bring many surprises.  True loyalties will be exposed!  Our King will take with Him those who have been faithful and reward all who have come to Him for mercy.  He will not judge by what His eyes see outwardly, but He will be the faithful Judge who judges righteously.  He will deal with all rebels and dispatch them to their punishment.  He will return at a time when most are not expecting Him and His reward will be with Him.  I pray that you and I are ready and watching!