Dragon’s Prophecy

Antichrist Replaces Christ

Ken

If the Antichrist claims to be Christ, then the Antichrist is replacing Christ. The Antichrist is effectively saying, God Almighty never became flesh in the form of Jesus Christ. “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1John 4:3 KJV). The New World Translation from the Jehovah’s Witnesses of John 1:1 allows Jesus to come in the flesh, but limits Him to being only “a god.” This torturing of the Greek text, of course, denies the whole theme of John’s Gospel — God Almighty became human “flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14 KJV). Evangelical Christianity correctly uses Isaiah 9:6 to counter the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ claim that Christ was not God Almighty. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Both the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Jews deny that the title of “The mighty God” (9:6) accurately belongs to Jesus Christ. 

John bolsters our understanding of John 1:1 (KJV) — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” — with the picture of the Rider of the White Horse at the Battle of Armageddon. “And He [Jesus Christ] was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13). Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus already returned invisibly but ‘not literally’ in 1914, so the literal Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the End of the Tribulation Week will demonstrate the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ belief wrong of denying Jesus Christ as Jehovah God. And, the Antichrist, who not only opposes Jesus Christ, but replaces Christ, will be utterly defeated. “And the beast [Antichrist] was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him [the Antichrist], with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone” (Revelation 19:20). 

Father, we know only Your Blessed Holy Spirit can persuade anyone of the Truth, if they can be persuaded. May we rejoice in Your Son as “The mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) knowing You have given Him “all power in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Save to the uttermost those who come to You by Him. Save the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Jews alike. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ all powerful name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Are There Few That Be Saved?

Ken

“Then said one unto Him, Lord, are there few that be saved?” (Luke 13:23 KJV). Jesus replied, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (13:24). How hard should you “strive” (13:24)? “With all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). The “few” and “many” of Luke 13 are relative terms comparing the “saved” and unsaved. 

Earth’s population is 8.2 billion (2024). 

The population of the angelic host at the time of Lucifer’s Rebellion was not specified, but 1/3 of the angelic host rebelled with Lucifer. “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born” (Revelation 12:4). Satan was outnumbered in a ratio of 2 to 1. Since Satan cannot oppose the Almighty in the End Times scenario with a greater number of Fallen Angels than the LORD’s Elect Angels, the Devil must resort to a Seed War — “between thy seed and her seed” (Genesis 3:15) — to breed an army to oppose the Almighty during the Tribulation Week — “the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand” (Revelation 9:16). 

In excess of 100 million angels and representatives of the redeemed of humanity are depicted in a Heavenly Throne Scene — possibly following the Rapture (Revelation 5:11). 

More important than our knowledge of how many are saved, Is our hope of Heaven based only upon a past certainty or a present seeking, as well? 

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Father, assemble a host innumerable to praise Your name forever. May we have the joy of those who look for Your Son’s soon appearing “a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation” (Hebrews 9:28 NET). In Jesus saving name, we pray. Amen.

Has Israel Been Cursed?

Ken

Yes. “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” (Isaiah 1:19-20 KJV). If Israel is cursed, it is only because they have rebelled against the LORD. How is the cursed removed? “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2Chronicles 7:14). National repentance works for any nation to return to God. How long will Israel’s curse last? Until their national blindness is lifted by Jehovah.”For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins” (Romans 11:25-27). 

When will all this happen? “I will go and return to My place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early” (Hosea 5:15). Israel will collectively realize their offense against the Son of God. “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for Him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10). This will occur in a single day— at the Second Coming of Jesus the Messiah, at the end of the Tribulation Week, the Seventieth Week of Daniel. “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children” (Isaiah 66:8). Father, we pray for Israel’s repentance that You might lift the curse from Israel. Lord Jesus, return quickly, that Israel may be saved. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Does Prophecy Require Our Participation?

Ken

Yes, Christ taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Jesus promised, “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7). If keeping your word to God is doing what you said to God you would do, then keeping the words of the prophecy of the Book of Revelation involves believing and acting consistently with the words of the Book of Revelation. Yes, your participation is required to be blessed from reading the Book of Revelation. Twice in the Book of Revelation, we are told, “The time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3; 22:10). That requires careful thought for our participation. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (1:3). 

OT prophecy already has given us precedent for participation in the fulfilment of prophecy. Consider the birth of Jesus and John the Baptist as announced to their parents, their reactions, and their future conduct. Anyone coming into contact with Jesus of Nazareth would also have to come to terms with all the OT prophecies concerning the Messiah. Yes, they had to participate in the fulfillment of prophecy by choosing to accept or reject Jesus as the presented Messiah, the Son of David. “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever” (2Samuel 7:16). 

NT prophecy also requires us to: 

(1) Persevere in righteousness or declare ourselves unfit for Christ’s kingdom, i.e., “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

(2) Faithfully manage God’s resources committed to us, i.e., “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1Corinthians 4:2) or be declared unprofitable and cast into outer darkness, i.e., “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). 

(3) Labor for the sustenance of ourselves and our families, i.e., “10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed” (2Thessalonians 3:10, 12, 14). 

(4) Continue to gather for exhortation and encouragement, i.e., “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). 

(5) Continually preach and teach about Jesus, i.e.,  “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). 

(6) Continually stand for Christ for all to see, i.e., “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14 ).

(7) Continue to be a preservative for righteousness in the world, i.e., “Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) standing against the enemy, i.e., “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). 

But, above all, as Jesus already taught in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:10), we need to pray for the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the Rapture of His Church. 

Specifically, Ezekiel’s Babylonian Captivity prophecies explaining and encouraging Israel about their future:  

(1) Prophesied of the New Covenant giving of the Holy Spirit to inspire our obedience, i.e., “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27), and 

(2) Preached the necessity of praying for the fulfillment of prophecy, i.e., After having proclaiming His intent to restore Israel, “Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock” (Ezekiel 36:37). He said He would do it, but He requires us to ask Him to do it. Thus, it bonds us to Him in the fulfillment. 

Father, teach us to work with You in the power of the Holy Spirit to lift Christ up to the world. Keep us from becoming weary in well doing, knowing we shall reap, if we faint not. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Promises of God

Ken

“For all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2Corinthians 1:20 KJV). Fine words, but what meaneth this? The Son of God, Jesus Christ (1:19) is the Him (1:20). What promises? The First Advent of Messiah (Isaiah 7:14) and His Second Advent (9:6). Yea, but there is more. “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2Peter 1:3-4). “All things that pertain unto life and godliness” (1:3) means anything and everything concerning our existence is included in God’s promises. C.H. Spurgeon compared God’s promises to checks drawn on the Bank of Heaven. “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). Charles G. Finney maintained the promises of God are God’s means to entirely sanctify us, that is, to make us more like Christ. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thessalonians 5:23-24). Amen.

Nearly 2,000 Years of Coming Quickly?

Ken

Jesus said, “I come quickly [Greek, tachu, soon, suddenly]” (Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20 KJV). What part of nearly 2,000 years sounds quick? If He meant to keep us in a constant state of readiness, then He chose His words wisely. Did Paul think he might be alive, when Jesus returned? “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:17). Yes, he seemed to include himself in that last statement of “we which are alive and remain” (4:17). But, don’t the words, “I come quickly,” lose their impact over the passing years? Not if you consider that “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2Peter 3:8). Isn’t that difficult language to use around small children? Only if they haven’t been growing. “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). We have been warned not to fall asleep, as if we would miss something, otherwise. 

“1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1Thessalonians 5:1-11).

Father, make us to be ready. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Doctrine of the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ

Ken

If I had a theory that human history would be only 7,000 years, would that immediately qualify as entry to the Flat Earth Club? Until we can be persuaded by Scripture, a theory is only a theory, not doctrinal fact. And, we have no obligation to believe anything, unless necessity forces a choice. “For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1Corinthians 9:16 KJV). On the other hand, before Jesus ascended back into Heaven, He promised to return, but more important, He promised we would be present with Him. If that was only a promise of being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, He would not need to depart to prepare a heavenly place. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:3). He was promising at any moment to return to us, fetch us, and bring us to be at that heavenly place with Him. He said, “Surely I come quickly” (Revelation 22:20); and, we were further instructed “to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1Thessalonians 1:10). Coming quickly, while we are waiting qualifies for an Imminent Coming. “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching” (Luke 12:37). 

You can see that a Pre-Tribulational Rapture fits nicely with the Doctrine of the Imminent Return of Jesus Christ. 

  1. The Lord draws near, standing before the door. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth before the door” (James 5:7-9). 
  2. Wake up. “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).
  3. Throw off. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:12).
  4. Put on. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).

Father, may we be a blessed servant found watching to “be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). Help us to keep our garments clean. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen. 

Unto Us A Child Is Born

Ken

Christmas is a special time of caring because God set the example. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 KJV). Jesus is that child born in a Bethlehem manger, God’s One and Only Son. He came the First Time as a lowly Savior, but He will return the Second Time as conquering king and judge to rule an earthly, millenial kingdom. The actions of the Messiah are wonderful and marvelous. His words are that of a counselor. Christ Jesus is The Mighty God to the consternation of His enemies. He is one with the Father. And, to our great joy, He is our Prince of Peace. Hallelujah! “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Father, all praise to You for sending us Your Son. Forever thank you! May the gladness You put in our heart translate into the caring we give one another. You are the founder of the feast and reason for this season. We gratefully praise You! In Jesus’ name, amen.

First Coming Is Incomplete Without The Second Coming

Ken

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28 KJV). Our salvation is complete, when we shall come into His presence at His Second Coming, for we shall lose our present corrupted bodies of flesh and become like Him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is” (1John 3:2). We are saved from the penalty of sin (eternal death), the effects of sin (physical suffering), and the power of sinning (necessity to commit sin). 

All will confess to being saved from eternal death, since the “gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

According to our faith, some will lay hold of physical healing in the atonement, i.e., “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5 cp. Matthew 8:16-17). 

But, possibly the most overlooked benefit in the Atonement is the Gift Within the Gift — the giving of the Holy Spirit. We are saved from the necessity to sin by the inspiration of the Indwelling Holy Spirit to cause us to obey Him. “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27 cp. Acts 2:38). 

We certainly will have all of these fulfilled by the time we stand in His presence at His Second Coming. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).

Father, only You can give us full deliverance, but as always, it is according to our faith. You saved us not just to deliver us from eternal pain or physical suffering, but to gain for Yourself a people devoted to Your obedience by Your Spirit. May we embrace this truth and overcome the wicked one by faith. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rapture Is Part of the Second Coming

Ken

If we believe Christ came the First Time as a Savior in a Bethlehem manger, then we must believe He will come a Second Time as a Judge and King. As the angel said, “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11 KJV). Paul (I believe to be the writer of the Book of Hebrews) said, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). 

Though some disagree that the concept of the Rapture of the Church is unfounded, I would ask, Do you believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? So do I. But, notice that Paul describes with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Living Saints are raptured or caught up to Him. “13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up [Greek, harpazō, snatched up, i.e., raptured] together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1Thessalonians 4:13-17 NIV). 

If we agree that we are raptured, then any disagreement would be over what happens after the Rapture. Immediately, we are “present with the Lord” (2Corinthians 5:8). We are in another dimension, outside the dimension of earth time and tribulation events, and have an infinite of time for an awards banquet and dinner — Bema Seat Judgment (Romans 14:10) and Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-10) — before we return with the Lord. Then, will be the final, visible part of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). 

All we need to do is occupy till He comes (Luke 19:13) and watch for Him (21:36). Help us, Lord, to do that, but He will do the rest!

Father, cause us to be faithful to You. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen and amen.