Fulfillment of Prophecy

Fear of Prophecy

Ken

The fear that prophecy will do more harm than good seems to be an often found position in Christendom rather than comforting friends about how to act consistently with their Father’s future plans. “It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given” (Matthew 13:11 KJV). Preterists (prophecy has already been fulfilled) are afraid the dispensationalsts (rapture is imminent) will confuse the Church about a rapture non-event, while taking away from or neglecting to relieve the poor until the New Heavens and New Earth are ushered in. Post-Tribulationists (rapture at end of Tribulation Week) are afraid the faith of the Pre-Tribulationists (rapture at the beginning of the Tribulation Week) will be overthrown, when they are required to go through the Tribulation. And, the Pre-Tribulationalists are afraid the Body of Christ will not understand how to act as the world rapidly advances toward the Tribulation Week. What’s the solution? Love the LORD, and love His appearing. “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing” (2Timothy 4:8).

 

In the Twinkling of an Eye

Ken

Heaven is a place, but it is also a change of dimension. Paul attempted to teach this truth to the Corinthians. “Behold, I shew [shō] you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1Corinthians 15:51-52 KJV). The whole study of God and last things brings us to this mystery. In the blink of an eye, we shall change our dimension into Christ’s presence. The last or final blast of the trumpet for both the living and dead saints will produce this instantaneous change. This is the hope of rapture and resurrection for the Body of Christ. LORD, purify Your body of disciples in hope of this transformation. Come quickly. Lord Jesus. Amen.

Rapture: The Blessed Hope

Ken

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13 NKJV). Sure, I’d like to go, if there’s a Rapture, but how do you know it’s so? Harpazō is the NT Greek for catching up or rapture. “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up [Greek, harpazō] 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). Here, harpazō is understandably connected with the “coming of the Lord” (4:15). We will be “caught up” (4:17) to the Lord in the air to reunite with our predeceased brothers and sisters before we all return with Christ. Harpazō also occurs in Revelation 12:5, where the “woman” (12:1), representing Israel, brings forth the Messiah, who is “caught up” (12:5) to the throne of God. Likewise, the Church as the Body of Christ will be raptured to Heaven, after which Israel will be forced to flee “into the wilderness” (12:6). May the Spirit of Christ “comfort” you (1Thessalonians 4:18) with these words, but let us not be impatient or contentious with one another, least of all, about the Rapture. “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29). 

What’s So Unique About Antisemitism?

Ken

Hate never feels good directed against yourself. Hatred directed against Jews and Israel is in a category by itself. Islamophobia or indifference to the plight of Gaza feels no different, but for the simple observation that the satan especially hates Israel. “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called My son out of Egypt” (Hosea 11:1 KJV). This is not secular news analysis, but strictly biblical reasoning. “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes” (Romans 11:28). Satan’s rage against Yahweh is so great, he hates whatever God loves. And, it’s kind of strange, since modern, secular Israel is not the Israel of King David. It is as if the Almighty is allowing Israel’s circumstances to become so dire, they will have to acknowledge Him, again. But, the Christians will also have to come to terms with their understanding of Daniel’s Seventieth Week (Daniel 9:27). How will Israel and the world receive the one who delivers world peace, but later requires worship as God on penalty of death (Revelation 13:15)? LORD, teach Your children who to trust and deliver them. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

If You Have to Ask

Ken

Then, it didn’t happen. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ, that is. “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 KJV). This is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, not the Rapture. Everyone without exception will know when Jesus the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords returns. The angels declared, “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). With a sharp two-edged sword in His mouth (Revelation 19:15), He will descend at the Battle of Armageddon to “smite the nations” (19:15). As He departed from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12), His feet will touch again the mount, which will cleave in two (Zechariah 14:4). He will judge the nations (Joel 3:1-2; Matthew 25:31-46), then begin His Millennial Reign upon earth (Revelation 20:3-7). LORD, come quickly in judgment and righteousness. Help us in this time of grace to put our houses in order to prepare for Your appearing. Amen. 

Power of the Resurrection

Ken

Humanity dreams of the potential of harnessing fusion or orbiting solar power plants to power the world, but Christianity yearns for a similar empowerment for the Church. The Father has already provided the foundation for that transformation through the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We all know it is easy to die, but to come back from the dead by an act of indomitable will is the sole capacity of God alone. “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death” (Philippians 3:10 KJV). What God resurrects is forever. Settle for no substitutes! Unless we receive this miracle from the Almighty, the entire world is hopelessly lost! Unless the Church learns to carefully and prayerfully lean upon the Holy Spirit, we are holding back the LORD from unleashing His Resurrection power and transforming this earth into a Restored Eden. Good news: Resurrection power comes through intimate knowledge with Christ. However, a warning to the Church: Resurrection power also comes with suffering! We look forward to New Heavens and a New Earth, but how can we expect Him to return to reward us, unless our hand is on the plow laboring to build His Kingdom now — with Resurrection power? Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Satan Benefits From Our Ignorance

Ken

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10 KJV). Though our adversary the devil desires the glory of the Almighty, he does some of his best work because of our lack of understanding of his diabolical plan of action. Our failure to comprehend his scheme of opposition to God’s design for our life is necessary so we will not fully embrace our true victory in Jesus — that the “power of Christ may rest upon me” (2Corinthians 12:9). The benefits of our ignorance are his, while he delays his final judgment, for he knows limited power can never defeat Omnipotence. He must satisfy himself with putting off as long as possible his final demise. Our goal then is to more fully investigate, understand, and put into action the “power of Christ” (12:9) that rests upon us. That power brings us into complete union with God. LORD, teach us the meaning of the “power of Christ” (12:9) that Your kingdom would come and Your will would be done on earth as it is in Heaven, in Jesus’ name we request it. Amen and amen. 

Not for You to Know the Times or the Seasons

Ken

Jesus clearly wants His Church focused upon the power of the Holy Spirit working in His people witnessing of Him to the world, not the times and dates of His return. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:6-8 KJV). Then, why study Bible prophecy? Because the Church needs a clear idea of the Father’s strategic plan for the ages. “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). We cannot and should not dictate the times and dates under the Father’s “own authority“ (Acts 1:7 NIV), but for us to “look for Him” (Hebrews 9:28 KJV) assuages our fears that everything is out of control, and it doesn’t look good for the Church. Prophecy gives us hope for the future, stability to keep doing what the Spirit directed us, and comfort in our Father’s foreknowledge. Worry not, but be encouraged, for Jesus said, “Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be” (Revelation 22:12). Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Jesus Said It Would Be This Way

Ken

When the world is making it hard to ignore all the calamities and tragedies all around us, then we are experiencing more than the everyday difficulties usually befalling us. Jesus did not come to bring a message of doom and destruction to the world, but to bring us the hope of forgiveness, restoration, and a new life in fellowship with Him. He only warned us about the tribulation we’d experience because we can’t escape this world without it. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 KJV). Jesus overcame, so we, too, would continually be overcoming. ‘Jesus said it would be this way’ is the theme of prophecy, so we should not become distracted by the calamities and quit living the supernatural, overcoming life of disciples of Jesus Christ. Then, God is glorified, and we will do the good we should. In the meantime, Lord Jesus come quickly, and help me to do all the good I can before the Father declares, Time is up, and we go Home. Amen. 

Earthquake Rattles Northeast Cities (US)

Ken

Not the San Andreas fault of California, but New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington DC were hit with a 4.7-4.8 earthquake on Friday morning April 5, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Little damage or injuries, but the shallowness of the quake (5 km depth) made it easier for everyone to feel the shaking. The epicenter was just NE of Lebanon, NJ. As if the LORD is trying to get the attention of Americans to the grave crisis playing out in Lebanon of the Middle East, where the Israelis just assassinated senior Iranian commanders in Syria, threatening further enlargement of the proxy war Iran is conducting against Israel and the United States in Gaza and US military bases in the Middle East. “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matthew 24:7 KJV). Remember, fulfillment of prophetic events, such as earthquakes, should calm us that the Father has everything under control. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.