Second Coming of Jesus Christ

Inevitability of God

Ken

“From everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God” (Psalm 90:2 KJV). True religion starts and ends with God. That is the inevitability of God. There is none like Him. Any attempt to build the Kingdom of God on any other foundation will “frustrate the grace of God” (Galatians 2:21) and aid the enemy in the delay of the return of our True King to take His place on the Messianic Millennial Throne of David. Herein is the seeming paradox of Christianity. Is our goal to fulfill the Great Commission of evangelizing the world with the saving grace of Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20), which requires more time; or, is it to warn the Church to be ready for imminent departure at the Rapture or Harpazō (1Thessalonians 4:17)? 

Both are true, but it is only the Holy Spirit, who will blend both goals for their appointed time fulfillment. Remember, all of the events of Acts 2 and the subsequent Church Age were directed by the Spirit of Christ to engage in the Great Commission, though the disciples were correctly awaiting the establishment of the Davidic Throne. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). The Holy Spirit managed the disciples by preparing them to direct their immediate attention on evangelism (1:8). But, our secret is we need not account for how the world will deal with all the world ending issues of human existence— though we are not oblivious nor insensitive to accomplishing the little we can — our emphasis must be upon keeping our hand on the Gospel Plow (Luke 9:62), strengthening the saints (Jude 1:20), and literally hastening our Lord’s return, i.e., “while waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2Peter 3:12 NET). 

Apparent delay will only use the enemy’s wrath to praise God’s name (Psalm 76:10) in the salvation of those previously unreachable. Jesus Christ is Yeshua the Anointed One, who will return not as a lowly sacrifice for our sins but as the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords (Revelation 19:16) to reign over us in an earthly kingdom. “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).

To end as we started, our LORD is the Inevitable God. He will win the battle. “The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: He shall cry, yea, roar; He shall prevail against His enemies” (Isaiah 42:13). Righteous energy belongs only to the Almighty. The saints of God participate in the LORD’s inevitability only so far as we walk righteously. “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God” (Psalm 62:11). What inspires us to right action? God’s Spirit. “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before His throne” (Revelation 1:4). 


Father, You are the “high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; [You] dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isaiah 57:15). May Your Spirit direct us to keep our eyes upon Jesus that all will be done until it is the appointed time for our departure and Your Son’s return. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen. 

Pushing a String

Ken

“You say, We want to be like the nations, like the peoples of the world, who serve wood and stone. But what you have in mind will never happen” (Ezekiel 20:32 NIV). A friend of mine would often use the expression, pushing a string, when speaking of an impossibility. Ancient Israel was never intended by Yahweh to be anything but a Peculiar People and Treasure for the LORD (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 14:2; 26:18; Psalm 135:4). “For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth” (Deuteronomy 14:2 KJV). Almighty God never intended Israel to be replaced by the Church (Romans 11:1); however, “the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed” (Romans 9:8). Though Israel was politically resurrected from the dead in 1948, it will be spiritually given rebirth at the Second Coming of the Messiah. “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). LORD, hasten the day when Your Church is Raptured Home to You that the events of Daniel’s Seventieth Week (Daniel 9:24-27) may unfold and Israel will be finally saved at Your Son’s triumphant return at Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Suffer the Little Children

Ken

“Lo, children are an heritage [literally, inheritance] of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward” (Psalm 127:3 KJV). God’s original command to “be friutful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:28), contained not only the authorization for marriage and the family, but the supply and funding for the children, who are our inheritance from Him. When children are not viewed as an inheritance from the LORD, then society’s ills are multiplied. Throughout history children have been sacrificed to pagan deities, and God absolutely abhors it. “Say to the Israelites: Any Israelite or any foreigner residing in Israel who sacrifices any of his children to Molek is to be put to death. The members of the community are to stone him” (Leviticus 20:2 NIV). 

Jesus represents God’s highest exposition of Himself to us, since He is the Son of God. His declaration is, “Suffer [literally, let] little children [Greek, paidion, young children], and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14). Jesus represents Himself as an attractive force for little children, who must not be forbidden from coming to Him. The problem is not if children should come to Jesus but how not to prevent them from coming. Our bringing “them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) is like cooperating with gravity to keep us from becoming disattached from the planet. God’s Kingdom refers to Heaven, because it is His undisputed domain since Lucifer was cast out. Yahweh knew Lucifer would betray Him like Jesus knew Judas Iscariot would also. Jesus is the magnet for our children, and we must study how not to interfere with His attractive force with our children. 

We no more give ferrous metal the right to choose or reject its attraction to a magnet than we should give our children the opportunity to reject their attraction to Jesus. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me” (John 12:32). Those who value the choice of rejecting Jesus, misuse and misunderstand their understanding and temptation. Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were responsible for feeding the understanding of God’s Word to Timothy. “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2Timothy 3:15). The Serpent introduced temptation to Eve, when he twisted and misrepresented God’s Word. “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). 

How young is too young to bring children to Jesus? 

First, if they are old enough to follow the Lord, then they are not too young to be brought to Jesus. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1). 

Second, if they are old enough to obey the voice of God (the Word of God), then they are not too young to be brought to Jesus. “Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be My people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you” (Jeremiah 7:23). 

Third, mind you, I am not necessarily talking about old enough to take the loyalty oath of baptism or being written down in the church membership rolls, but old enough to have as much relationship to the Lord as can be had without declaring themselves Children of God by virtue of their Physical Birth. “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). 

Fourth, fear not so much too young of a profession, since all who confess Christ as Lord, must still persevere to the end. “And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Mark 13:13).

Fifth, if they are too young to know they must love Jesus more than anything and anyone, including their own life, then they can be taught to follow Jesus, but the Holy Spirit needs to work this into their understanding before they can be confirmed in their faith. “If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). 

Sixth, if they are too young or unaware of their need to bear the Cross of Responsibility toward the Lord, His Church, and the world, then they need to be taught to follow Jesus until the Spirit can impress their need of responsibility and suffering for the Lord. “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). 

Seventh, if they are too young or unaware of their necessity to forsake everything for Christ, then they still should be taught to follow Jesus, until the Holy Spirit can impress upon them their need of forsaking all for Christ. “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:33). 

In conclusion, if this seems too much for anyone, much less Young Children, and if it seems too much human responsibility and not enough of God’s grace, then we may begin to comprehend our need of the Holy Spirit to accomplish anything of Saving, Sanctifying, and Glorifying Grace in our lives. “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1Peter 4:18). 

Did we really think we were getting into Heaven because we willed ourselves to be and do all that God requires? Perish the thought! “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). It has always been God working, convincing, and inspiring us to obey Him; but, especially in this New Covenant Age, we have been given the “Gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). We were promised long ago an especial Advocate to Inspire, Assist, and Comfort us, the Blessed Paraklete, the Holy Spirit. Young Children need to be taught their Birth Right, as soon as they can receive it, after their parents comprehend it. “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, this is only the beginning of our warfare until the Lord Returns for us (Rapture). 

Father, teach us to teach our children to come unto Jesus, as soon as we can comprehend our opportunity and responsibility. Grant us a vision of what You will accomplish in these Last Days before it is time for Your Son to return. Overcome the Wicked One, who would keep us in darkness about the Great Harvest You are about to secure. Open our eyes to what You are doing in the Name of Jesus by the moving of Your Spirit. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Your Name, we pray. Amen and amen.

God Is Not Done With Israel

Ken

God is not done with Israel. “I say then, Hath God cast away His people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin” (Romans 11:1 KJV). When the LORD established His covenant with Abraham, He unconditionally promised, “I will make of thee a great nation [Israel]” (Genesis 12:2), but He further promised, “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed [the Church]” (Genesis 12:3). Both Israel and the Church were foreseen. And, no, the OT Mosaic law and feasts are not necessary for the salvation and sanctification of the Church. “In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old [literally, obsolete]” (Hebrews 8:13). Remember, humanity is equal in the sight of God — “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16) — but, He still has a special place in His heart for Israel — “Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen” (Isaiah 43:10) — and in His prophetic program — “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). 

It was no accident that the Gospel message started first “in Jerusalem, and [then spread] in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). All the first converts to Jesus were Jews, who crucified their Messiah. “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children” (Matthew 27:25). Peter’s instructions to the Jews at the beginning of the Church, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39), which includes the rest of us Gentiles, who have come to Messiah Jesus. 

The essence of Bible prophecy is God’s before-it-happens-certain-declarations of future events. If the OT Jews misread prophecy and missed the Messiah the first time, then shouldn’t the Church pay closer attention to prophecies to prepare for the return of Messiah Jesus the second time? “So Christ [Greek, Christos, anointed one, the Messiah] 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). Isaiah reveals God’s special relationship to Israel. “1 O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. 4 Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. 5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west; 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside Me there is no saviour. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God. 18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:1, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19). 

That “new thing” (Isaiah 43:19) prophesied by Isaiah was spoken of by Jeremiah, as well. “For the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man” (Jeremiah 31:22). “Created” (31:22) implies divine intervention. “Woman” (31:22) indicates an individual, not a collective noun. “Man” (31:22) compares to Isaiah 9:6, where it refers to God. Jeremiah 31:22 was believed by many in the Early Church as a reference to the Virgin Birth (Isaiah 7:14) of the Messiah: a virgin womb encircling a man without the necessity of a man’s participation, yielding the miraculous result of a Savior. As difficult to believe as this narrative, it would eventually result in Israel becoming a nation spiritually at Messiah’s Second Coming. “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). 

Paul asked the Romans, “What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision” (Romans 3:1). What strategic advantage had the Jews over the rest of the world? The Jews superiority was their possession of the Word of God. “Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God” (3:2). But, you say, Nearly everyone today has access to the Word of God, so where is the advantage? Scripture has no practical benefit to us unless understood and obeyed. “For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified” (2:13). Intelligence is valuable in society, science, government, military, and business, as well. It is not what you know, but what you do with the Word of God. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him” (2Chronicles 16:9). 

We must remember, the Jews have long been the subject of prophecies: (1) that they would be subjected to the Babylonian captivity of Judah, i.e., “shall be carried to Babylon” (Isaiah 39:6), and (2) that they would be held in the Babylonian desolations for seventy years, i.e., “And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years” (Jeremiah 25:11). 

But, the Jews were also told: (1) when “Messiah the Prince” (Daniel 9:25) would appear, He would be “be cut off, but not for Himself” (9:26), answering to Christ’s atonement [First Coming of the Messiah], and (2) they were also told the Son of Man would have an “everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away” (7:14), answering to the Millennial Reign of Christ and beyond (Revelation 20:4) at the end of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26-27) [Second Coming of the Messiah]. 

In summary, the Jews were responsible for the custodial care of the Divine Scriptures (Romans 3:2), furnishing the bloodline of the House of David for the Messiah (Matthew 1:1-17), for the political rebirth of the modern nation of Israel (1948), and providing us a prophetic clock for the reappearance of the Messiah. “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” (Romans 11:25). 

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6). 

Father, You have not cast away Israel, the “apple of [Your] eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10). We pray for Your success in winning back the hearts of Your Chosen People Israel. Cause us the Gentiles to provoke Israel (32:21) to faith in the Messiah (Romans 11:11). We ask that our eyes would be enlightened, and we would not follow Israel’s former example of unbelief. May we see our victories in the immediate inspiration of Your Spirit inciting us to obedience (Ezekiel 36:27). May Jerusalem see Your peace. Messiah Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Importance of the Rapture

Ken

Perhaps the most difficult doctrine to believe is the Rapture of the Church. If you can believe Israel was prophesied a coming Messiah (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Daniel 9:26), then you can believe the Church has been promised a Second Coming of that same Messiah. “Which also 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). But, is that a picture of the Rapture? No, it is not the Rapture. Then, what is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? The Rapture and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ are two separate events. Read on to see the difference. 

[This is intended as a more comprehensive read. Scan ahead to see how long. Come back later and examine the pivotal design of the Rapture.]

Question: What Scripture depicts the Rapture best? 

Answer: The Rapture (Greek, harpazō) is described best in First Thessalonians 4:16-17: “16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up [Greek, harpazō, caught up, violently but firmly plucked] together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1Thessalonians 4:16-17). Rapture and Resurrection are without debate, placed together by the LORD. This cannot simply be at the point of death of the individual saint. Prophecy demands more. “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2). 

Christ’s Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) portrays the Rapture of the Bride of Christ: 

(1) In the Jewish custom, a marriage was contracted by the parents of the bride and the bridegroom, where the parents of the bridegroom would pay a dowry to the parents of the bride. “Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest [Greek, arrhabōn, pledge, downpayment] of the Spirit” (2Corinthians 5:5). The Father has given His Holy Spirit as the downpayment for us to be His Son’s “bride, the Lamb’s wife” (Revelation 21:9). Both the “Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (22:17). Before the Rapture is consummated, there is opportunity for the Bride of Christ to be spiritually enlarged by new members of the Body of Christ. 

(2) The betrothal of the Bride came through God saving us by the “precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1Peter 19). We are now in the stage of awaiting the Bridegroom to come for us. “Which is the earnest [downpayment] of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:14). Though the actual coming of the Bridegroom is indeterminate, it is at hand, so the Bride must be careful to be ready. Christ’s Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25) depicts the Wise Virgins as those who are ready, and the Unwise Virgins as those who were foolishly unprepared. “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44). Readiness involves believing and walking “in the light” (John 12:36; 1John 2:7) free of known sin, and conducting our Master’s “business” (Luke 2:49). 

(3) The Marriage Supper of the Lamb would be the next stage of the Jewish ceremony; however, even before the actual Marriage Supper, the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10) or Bema Seat Judgment (2Corinthians 5:10) would seem to coincide with the opportunity to praise the Bride to be wedded and feted. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad [Greek, kakos, worthless]” (2Corinthians 5:10). 

Question: You say you believe in the Resurrection of the Dead in Christ. When will the Marriage Supper of the Lamb take place, if the alive and remaining Christians are caught up “to meet the Lord in the air” (1Thessalonians 4:17), who then accompany Him to defeat the Antichrist at Armageddon (Revelation 16:16), which is the Great Banquet of God (19:17 NET), feeding the flesh of the rebel kings to scavenger birds?

Answer: Scripturally, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9) takes place directly before the Battle of Armageddon (19:16). What we know as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is the Messiah’s return to defeat the Antichrist at Armageddon. “And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (19:16). The perceived difficulty is time. How can all these things take place? The answer is simple. “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2Corinthians 5:8). We change from our present dimension to the dimension of eternity. Everything promised by God can easily take place, because time will have no restriction or effect upon the outcome. God can easily Rapture Christians prior to the Beginning of the Seventieth Week of Daniel, conduct a Bema Seat Judgment, entertain the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, then complete the Second Coming Return at Armageddon, all within seven years. The catching up takes place before the Tribulation Week, while the completion of the Second Coming takes place at the End of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27). 

Significance of the Rapture 

First, the Literal Interpretation of the Word of God is the foundation of all doctrine, much less the Rapture. To be clear, the Literal Interpretation of the Word of God does not deny the use of figurative, parabolic, or poetic language; but, it insists that God is to be taken at His Word, meaning what He says, and saying what He means, as we allow for any other person. “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). God’s Word is absolutely efficient in accomplishing everything He says. “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). 

As the amillennialists, who deny a literal Millennium is intended by the words “thousand years” (Revelation 20:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7); because Peter used the comparative, “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2Peter 3:8); would they also fail to see the literalness of the Psalmist’s use of ‘thousand’ in Psalm 84? “For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10). The Psalmist did not demand a ‘thousand’ to be the equivalent of a single ‘day.’ Neither should we force Peter to promote a ‘thousand years’ to mean only a day. Nor should we conclude John’s use of ‘thousand years’ to also mean only one day. “The premillennial return of Christ to institute a literal kingdom is the outcome of the literal method of interpretation of the Old Testament prophecies. It is only natural, therefore, that the same basic method of interpretation must be employed in our interpretation of the rapture question. It would be most illogical to build a premillennial system on a literal method and then depart from that method in consideration of the related questions. It can easily be seen that the literal method of interpretation demands a pretribulation rapture of the church” (p. 193, Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology (1965), J. Dwight Pentecost).

Second, the Doctrine of Imminency (coming at any moment) to deliver the Righteous, at Christ’s return for us, is reinforced with the Rapture, i.e., the Pre-Tribulational Rapture prior to the onset of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26). As far as can be known, the Rapture is the next thing that must be accomplished before the Tribulation Week can begin. “Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Corinthians 1:7). “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20). “The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:5). “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). “The Judge standeth before the door” (James 5:9). “I come quickly” (Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20). 

Third, a promise of judging the earth without harming the godly (as in Lot’s deliverance from Sodom) is the promise to be kept from the ‘hour of temptation’ — not simply overcoming temptation (1Corinthians 10:13) — was and is promised to the Church of Philadelphia, of whom Christ said, “Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Revelation 3:10). Why such a magnanimous promise? Because He is the Most Generous Master and an Utterly Capable Judge. “I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word [obedience], and hast not denied My name [faithfulness]” (3:8). Oh, to be counted among that number! 

Fourth, pray that you would be worthy to escape all the events of the Tribulation Week, as a testament to the promise of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). Though Pre-Tribulation Rapture adherents defend the concept of salvation by grace through faith, they must consistently abide by the literalness of Christ’s Luke 21:36 commandment with promise to watch and pray that we “may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass” (21:36), i.e., through a Pre-Tribulational Rapture. Remember, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:20). 

Fifth, our hope is in the Lord (Psalm 146:5), but thank God, He has emboldened us through His promise of Rapture and Deliverance, as we see the disintegration of the world around us. “But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves” (2Timothy 3:13 NET). We shrink not from admitting the boldness and hope produced by the Doctrine of the Rapture. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). 

Sixth, the Rapture solves a problem, not viewed by most as a problem. How does flesh and blood inherit eternity? Well, of course, God simply makes it to happen, when it is needed. Quite correct. But, can the Rapture be such an obvious solution? “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew 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. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1Corinthians 15:50-53). The Rapture is the means to accomplish this inheriting eternity “in the twinkling of an eye” (15:52).  Thank you, Chuck Missler, for reminding of this thought (from The Rapture: Christianity’s Most Preposterous Belief). 

Seventh, the Church Age ends where Daniel’s Seventieth Week starts again. Most prophetic confusion comes from mixing or replacing the Church for Israel. When Scripture explicitly grants the New Covenant, made to Israel (Ezekiel 36:27) to be inherited also by the Gentiles, then no confusion takes place. But, when Daniel’s Seventieth Week begins, the Church Age has ended, since the Church has departed in the Pre-Tribulational Rapture. So, the Rapture returns the focus to Israel, who has been blinded since their rejection of Messiah Jesus (Romans 11:25). “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not” (Matthew 23:37).

Eighth, no Resurrection without the Rapture, and no Rapture without the Resurrection. “For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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 4:16-17). Debates about the Rapture would be reduced or eliminated, if the timing of the Rapture had to coincide with the Resurrection, which is what the above Sixth Point references. 

Ninth, no Church in the Seventieth Week of Daniel, and no Seventieth Week of Daniel with the Church. Ekklēsia (Greek, church) does not appear outside of Christ’s Seven Letters to the Churches in Revelation 2 and 3, except in the plural (22:16) as part of the epilogue at the end of the Revelation. The Church is absent from the discussions of the remaining 19 chapters of the Book of Revelation. Why? Because the Church has been Raptured. Immediately after the invitation given to the Church of Laodicea, the door promised to the faithful Church of Philadelphia, is offered even to Lukewarm Laodicea, of whom nothing good is said. To Laodicea: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). Notice, immediately after the invitation is given to Lukewarm Laodicea, Revelation 4:1 begins with, “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (Revelation 4:1). 

No guarantee that any or all Lukewarm Professors of the Christian Religion repented of their lukewarmness, but it is notable that Christ cared enough to make the offer, to make it with the same door of deliverance from the “hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world” (3:10), then He opens the door with the Rapture. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (4:1). Also, notice the phrase, “Come Up Hither” (4:1), coinciding with a Pre-Tribulational Rapture, appears again in the Resurrection of the Two Witnesses, when they are Raptured into Heaven in the presence of the entire world (11:12). The Two Witnesses are first resurrected from the dead, then they are raptured; so, understandably, some term this a Pre-Wrath Rapture. And, their Enoch-like (OT, previously translated without physical death), Moses-like (called down plagues on Egypt), or Elijah-like (OT, previously translated without physical death) ministry of calling down judgments upon the earth are immediately positioned before the Seventh Trumpet Judgment (11:15). But still, notice the absence of the Church in the Tribulation. 

Tenth, the Rapture of the Church accomplishes what the Apostle Paul said, “I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you” (Romans 10:19). In other words, the Gentile world, chiefly through the Church, will arouse the obstinate Jew to jealousy, because the Church escaped the Wrath of God of the Tribulation Week, which they now face. “I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy” (11:11). Our Salvation and Rapture will ultimately provoke the Jew and Israel to jealousy and finally to repentance. This is part of God’s masterplan to win back Israel. “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!” (11:33). Pray for all men; but especially, pray for the salvation of Israel. God most certainly will answer! 

Eleventh, the Restraining Influence of the Holy Spirit will obviously be removed, when all the Spirit Indwelt people are removed at the Rapture. “For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He [the Holy Spirit] who now restrains will do so until He [the Holy Spirit] is taken out of the way” (2Thessalonians 2:7 NKJV). This will have the effect: (1) The right action promoted by the Holy Spirit with all humanity, will be felt less because the Christians are removed from the world, and (2) Satan will have to immediately offset this with “signs and lying wonders” (2Thessalonians 2:8-9). Remember, the bizarreness and outlandishness of the imagination will be available to the Wicked One, since the Holy Spirit has withdrawn His people to represent truthful opposition to Antichrist’s lie, that He is the God of the Universe. “And then shall that Wicked [Antichrist] be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him [Antichrist], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (2Thessalonians 2:8-9). 

Twelfth, the Rapture clearly distinguishes between Israel and the Church. The initial difficulty of the Apostles to comprehend the nature and scope of their present circumstances, i.e., do you need to become a Jew first before you become a Christian, illustrated the learning necessary to function in this Church Age. Debate as to who is “in Jesus” (1Thessalonians 4:14) or “in Christ” (4:16) “which are alive and remain” (4:17), are determined by our appreciation of the nature of faith. But, Spiritual Israel is now part of the Spiritual Church. Paul understandably answered the concerns of the Early Church over the reluctance of the nation of the Jews to admit Jesus to be their Messiah. Israel is temporarily relegated to a status of Blindness — but, not forgotten. “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” (Romans 11:25). The Rapture is about the Church. The Second Coming is more about Israel. “And His [Messiah Jesus] feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south” (Zechariah 14:4).

NOTE: I have previously posted representing the Rapture as only a part of the Second Coming, which is more attractive to those who barely admit to the Rapture as an eschatological event. However, I would like to correct that emphasis. The Rapture (1Thessalonians 4:17) is a distinct and separate event from the Second Coming (Revelation 19:11-21), and both the Lord Jesus Christ and the Antichrist are well aware of the difference. A time separation between the two events of about seven years of a Tribulation Week (Daniel 9:24-27, especially v. 27) is sufficient for the prophesied events of Revelation 4 through 19 to take place. The Rapture is a Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13) for the Saints Departed and the Church Remaining to be reunited and gathered to their Lord, while the Second Coming is a fearful time of judgment and “fiery indignation” (Hebrews 9:27) upon those, who reject the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. Honesty compels me to change my position, as often as I receive increased light or understanding to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:18).

Father, Your plans for the Church are “exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20). Thank You for showing us how we rightly have this Blessed Hope of the Rapture. Fortify us that we may be “stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as [we] know that [our] labour is not in vain in the [You]” (1Corinthians 15:58). Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Jehovah Will Not Return

Ken

“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 KJV). It is apparent that Jehovah will not return until the Jews petition Him to do so. Quite an ultimatum by the Offended God! Certainly not childishness on God’s part, but it is only a further demonstration of Jehovah’s certainty of national repentance on Israel’s part (Isaiah 66:8). Just because the Jews are politically back in the modern nation of Israel (1948), it doesn’t mean they are back in a right spiritual relationship with Jehovah. Their historic rejection of the messiahship of Jesus must be recanted and repented of, as much as any Gentile’s rejection of Christ. God does not play favorites. What is hard for the Church to understand is the Church has not replaced Israel as His chosen nation. 

Israel has merely been relegated to the status of blindness. “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” (Romans 11:25). Not until the end of the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26-27) will Messiah Jesus return to defeat the Antichrist, and the “fullness of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:25) will come to an end. In the meantime, the prayer of the Church is for Messiah Jesus to return quickly and Israel’s repentance will be facilitated. Remember, Jehovah Jesus promised He will not return “till they acknowledge their offence, and seek My face” (Hosea 5:15). Praying for Israel’s repentance is key to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Father, cause Your people Israel to repent of their offense of rejecting Jesus, so You can send Your Son back to restore all things. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Promises of God in Jesus

Ken

“For all the promises of God in Him are yea [Greek, nai, yes, verily, truly, surely], and in Him Amen [Greek, amēn, so it is, so be it, may it be fulfilled], unto the glory of God by us” (2Corinthians 1:20 KJV). What greater confidence than the name of Jesus attached to a promise! Is this only youthful enthusiasm? What greater accomplishment than the promises of Jesus fulfilled in our lives, and in those around us? He who is the Word accomplishes every jot and tittle of His promises because He is the essence of faithfulness and will not let one promise fall to the ground. 

The very placement of the words in the text of Scripture are not accidental. When Jesus stood up in the synagogue at Nazareth to preach the first sermon of His messianic career, He read Isaiah 62:1-2, but completed His reading at the end of the comma — “to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD,” (Isaiah 61:2). He did not complete Isaiah’s sentence with “and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn” (61:2) because that would only be fulfilled later. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). Just as Jesus fulfilled His Word in atoning for our sins on the Cross, so He will keep the prophecy of fulfilling His promise of vengeance during the Seventieth Week of Daniel (Daniel 9:26), then Israel will finally turn to Him at His Second Coming. “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, You will keep all Your Word through Christ Jesus in the salvation of Israel, since all Your promises in Him are yea and amen. Magnify Your name. Keep Your Word. Save Israel. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen and amen.

Called Versus Driven People

Ken

I was reading a very interesting article by Jennie Allen, What Would You Do If You Knew Jesus Was Coming Back in Ten Years? from Bible Gateway (February 26, 2025). I agree we cannot know the day or the hour of Christ’s return (Mark 13:32), but I also agree it can be anytime soon (Revelation 22:12, 20). What especially caught my attention was Jennie Allen’s distinction between Called and Driven People. Does the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19, 20 make you a Called Person or a Driven Person?

“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 KJV).

(Just an aside, I, too, have had the same feeling of ten years come across my mind. Interesting that others have had such thoughts and dreams, as well.) 

She listed this distinction:

Driven people…

  • Need affirmation before they feel good about something.
  • Spend more time online than with Jesus.
  • Compare their results to others’.
  • Constantly look to arrive at an achievement.
  • Live frustrated at their lack of opportunities.
  • Get anxious when they aren’t performing.
  • Check numbers all the time.
  • Think of how others can elevate them.
  • Share their weakness publicly before they confess it privately.

But called people…

  • Have nothing to lose and nothing to prove.
  • Celebrate others’ successes easily.
  • Enjoy the work that God has for them no matter the results.
  • Are comfortable confessing weakness and sin.
  • Seek out and recognize others.
  • Enjoy Jesus.
  • Prioritize real life relationships over online significance.
  • Think about how they can elevate others.

I noticed the emphasis upon self accomplishment characterizes the Driven People, and Christ’s accomplishment distinguishes the Called People. If we want to distinguish ourselves from other disciples, then we are more driven to excel them. On the other hand, if we are called to make disciples and build Christ’s Kingdom, then we do not really care if my church does better than someone else’s church. The important thing is Christ’s Kingdom is advanced, when disciples are made. This is not a call to ecumenicity, where we may not really care, if the church believes in the divinity of Christ, the authority of the Bible, etc. Rather, it emphasizes the fruit belongs to the Lord. 

Father, make us Called People, who only care that Your Kingdom is built. Guard us against bigness at the sake of truth, but may Your Kingdom grow an honest crop of disciples before You return. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen. 

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.

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.