“But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard” (Isaiah 52:12 NIV). The KJV translates “rear guard” as “rereward.” Simply put, God says, “I’ve got your back.” Limited as we are, we can use all the help of an Unlimited God. Too big of a promise? No, but we may lack imagination in its application. The picture of God as a watchmaker, winding us up and stepping back out of the way, not intervening is false. Not only does He hold us together — “He is before all things, and by Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17) — but, He dwells within us by His Spirit to inspire 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). We do not have eyes in the back of our head, neither do we have the thought or imagination to meditate and anticipate all possible circumstances. But, the Almighty can do that for us. The question is “Are we all out for Him?” “Them that honour Me I will honour, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed [Hebrew, qâlal, be of little account]” (1Samuel 2:30). Father, may we be of great account to You, for we esteem You of greater worth than all our necessary food. Thank You for watching over us. May we look after Your name in this world, as of the greatest importance. Glorify Your name. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Promises
Promises of God
“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.
God Reveals All Through His Word
“Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7 KJV). Taking God at His Word means God will not do anything without revealing it through His Word, and that through His prophets. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21). All issues of life and thoughts of our heart are revealed by the Holy Spirit through His Word. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Remember, taking God at His Word means God means what He says and says what He means without taking away figurative, poetic, parabolic, or similitude language. Scripture interprets Scripture, since Scripture is the Word of God, not merely containing God’s Word — requiring human scholarship to tell the difference. Since “every word of God is pure” (Proverbs 30:5) and “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35), then we can rely upon every part of God’s Word to support every other part without exception. “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, O LORD God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16). Father, make Your Word to be unto us more precious than our very human life. Wake up Your Church. Cause us to realize and embrace Your Word, which we have taken for granted. Inspire us to obey Your Word. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.
More Than One Isaiah?
Doubting the authorship of the OT Book of Isaiah produces a nagging doubt that we cannot simply trust the declarations of the writer about the future, if we are not even sure he is who he says he is. “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah” (Isaiah 1:1 KJV). Does the following represent the views of your minister? Liberal scholarship has separated the Book of Isaiah into three parts, representing three different Isaiah authors: Proto-Isaiah (chapters 1-39), Deutero-Isaiah (chapters 40-55), and Trito-Isaiah (chapters 56-66). In response, without consulting the differing language styles employed in each of the three sections, none other than the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, asserted the authorship of the 53rd chapter of Isaiah to be “Isaiah the son of Amoz” (1:1). Jesus quoted Isaiah 53:1: “Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed” in John 12:38: “That the saying of Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed.” Jesus further asserted Isaiah to be the author of Isaiah 6:10: “Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed.” Liberal scholarship does “greatly err” (Mark 12:27).
Why not let them differ and be quiet? “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). We need all the confidence possible to wage war against the devil, and we cannot afford to allow nagging doubts to rob us of our offensive power against the real enemy. Jesus is coming soon, and we need everyone who names the name of Christ fully engaged with all offensive power to support the prophetic message of the Book of Isaiah. Between the declarations of the Suffering Messiah on the Cross in Psalm 22, especially verse 16, “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16); and, the prophecy concerning the Messiah’s atonement for our sins, “But 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), we have a clear declaration of the NT Gospel in the OT. If our confidence is shaken in the authorship of the last chapters of Isaiah, how can we have confidence in the integrity of the first chapters? “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it” (Isaiah 2:2).
May God give confidence to all readers of the Book of Isaiah, that He will as surely perform His saving work (Chapter 53) as He will fulfill His prophecies to build His actual Kingdom as foretold (2:2). Father, may Your will be done and Your Kingdom come. Grant to us knowledge and understanding that we may have renewed power. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Learn By Teaching
“Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” (Romans 2:21 KJV). The best way to learn something is to teach it. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1Timothy 4:16). Paul understood the value of his teaching. He would be the first benefactor; subsequently, so would anyone else who was listening. According to Dr. Michael L. Jones, “We remember 14% of what we hear, 22% of what we both see and hear, 70% of movies in our mind, and 91% of what we teach others” (The Overnight Student, p. 8). Discipling incorporates such thinking, since all disciples are to make disciples. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). Undoubtedly, this was Paul’s meaning with Timothy. “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2Timothy 2:2). More than a method of education, we also have the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. “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). Father, make us to be teachers to replicate images of Yourself in all whom You come to dwell. Return quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Nearly 2,000 Years of Coming Quickly?
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
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.
- 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).
- 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).
- 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).
- 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
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
“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.
Grow or Die
Why are we commanded to “grow [Greek, auxanete, grow, increase, an imperative] in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18 KJV)? If we are not spiritually growing, then we are spiritually dying. Casual Christianity is deadly. If those who introduce someone to the Lord Jesus Christ do not assume the role of parent, then the infant will die. “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended” (Matthew 13:20-21). The Holy Spirit is the provocateur, and He will perform the work. “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). However, we need to assume human, parental responsibility, where we can, if we can, to ensure the welfare of the Newborn Christian. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1Corinthians 11:1). Waiting for Christ to return is an act of living the life of Christ until He comes for us, not laziness or indolence. “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2Thessalonians 3:5, 10 KJV). Lord, cause us to continually seek to grow in our understanding and confidence in You. Make us careful to promote the faith of newborn disciples by encouraging their reading of Your Word, praying, fellowshipping, and assembling with brothers and sisters at church. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We Need A Miracle 
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