NEBUCHADNEZZAR'S "HISTORY OF THE WORLD"

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream from Daniel Chapter Two

 

"This image's (1) head was of fine gold, (2) his breast and his arms of silver, (3) his belly and his thighs of brass, (4) his legs of iron, (5-6) his feet part of iron and part of clay.  Thou sawest till that (7) a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces.  Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth." (v. 32-35).

Daniel's Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's Dream

 

(1) "...Thou art this head of gold" (v. 38 - Babylon).

(2) "And after thee shall arise another kingdom" (silver - v. 39 - Medo-Persia, see 5:38).

(3) "...and another third kingdom of brass..." (brass - v. 39 - Greece, see 10:20).

(4) "And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron..." (v. 40 - Rome, see 9:26 w/ 11:2).

(5-6) "And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay..." (v. 41 - "the prince to come" out of the people who destroy Jerusalem and the Temple - New Rome, see 9:25-27 - a.k.a. the "beast" of Rev.13:1-10; Mt. 24:15; Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; and the "antichrist" of 1 Jn. 2:18).

(7) "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.  Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure" (v. 44-45 - Jesus Second Coming and the Millennial Kingdom - Mt. 21:42; Rev. 20:1-15).

 

The Stone Identified

 

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole.  This is the Stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:8-12).

 

We can either stand upon the Stone, or be crushed by Him!

THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH AGE

While the description of the seven churches of Asia are addressed to specific churches, they are also typical of the periods throughout the Church Age.  This is how I understand God's Word.

 

Ephesus:  The Apostolic Church (Pentecost - A.D. 100) - Rev. 2:1, 4-5

"Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write . . . I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

Smyrna:  The Persecuted Church (A.D. 100 - 316) - Rev. 2:8, 10 

"And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write . . . Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Pergamos:  The Governmental Church (A.D. 316 - 1054) - Rev. 2:12, 14-16

"And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write . . . I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam . . . So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth."

Thyatira:  The Medieval Church (A.D. 1054 - 1517) - Rev. 2:18, 20, 22

"And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write . . . I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols . . . I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds."

Sardis:  The States' Church (A.D. 1517 - 1750) - Rev. 3:1-3

"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write . . . I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead . . . strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die . . . hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."

Philadelphia:  The Missionary Church (A.D. 1750 - Today) - Rev. 3:7-8, 10

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write . . . 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, and hast not denied My name.  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 . . . (The Rapture BEFORE THE TRIBULATION)."

Laodicea:  The Apostate Church (A.D. 1750 - Today) - Revelation 3:14-16, 19

"And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write . . . I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth . . . As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."  (Those who accept Jesus will not go into the Tribulation - those who do not, will suffer the same fate as the rest of the lost!).

WE ARE IN THE LAST DAYS

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - Amplified Bible - "But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]. For people will be lovers of self [narcissistic, self-focused], lovers of money [impelled by greed], boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane,  [and they will be] unloving [devoid of natural human affection, calloused and inhumane], irreconcilable, malicious gossips, devoid of self-control [intemperate, immoral], brutal, haters of good,  traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of [sensual] pleasure rather than lovers of God,  holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them."

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - International Children's Bible - "Remember this! There will be many troubles in the last days.  In those times people will love only themselves and money. They will brag and be proud. They will say evil things against others. They will not obey their parents. People will not be thankful or be the kind of people God wants.  They will not have love for others. They will refuse to forgive others and will speak bad things. They will not control themselves. They will be cruel and will hate what is good.  In the last days, people will turn against their friends. They will do foolish things without thinking. They will be conceited and proud. They will love pleasure. They will not love God.  They will continue to act as if they serve God, but they will not really serve God. Stay away from those people."

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - J. B. Phillips New Testament - "But you must realise that in the last days the times will be full of danger. Men will become utterly self-centred, greedy for money, full of big words. They will be proud and contemptuous, without any regard for what their parents taught them. They will be utterly lacking in gratitude, purity and normal human affections. They will be men of unscrupulous speech and have no control of themselves. They will be passionate and unprincipled, treacherous, self-willed and conceited, loving all the time what gives them pleasure instead of loving God. They will maintain a facade of “religion”, but their conduct will deny its validity. You must keep clear of people like this."

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - The Message - "Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people."

BAD NEWS MAY BE A GOOD SIGN!

Read today's headlines, or items posted on Facebook, and you will see we are definitely in the last days!  These verses are describing life today!

2 Timothy 3:1-7 (KJV):  This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.  For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3:1-7 (NASB):   But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.  For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 3:1-7 (GNT):  Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days.  People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious;  they will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good;  they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God;  they will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people.  Some of them go into people's houses and gain control over weak women who are burdened by the guilt of their sins and driven by all kinds of desires, women who are always trying to learn but who can never come to know the truth.

 

The Lord is coming back soon for those who trust in Him!

DAWN'S FAITH IN THE LORD

My daughter has had to "pay" for many wrong choices that she made as a person, and as a mother.  What she does not know, is that those who love her dearly, suffer with her through the "consequences."  Tonight, she wrote this on Facebook.  I print it here with pride in her love for Almighty God.

"This song will not leave my head..... "I am guilty. Ashamed of what I've done. My hands are dirty. How dare I lift them up to the Holy One... You plead my cause! You right my wrongs! You break my chains! You overcome! You gave your life to give me mine! You say that I am free... How can it be?"
I have been reminded over and over this past week of the ways I've failed by people I love dearly. I've been forced to relive the regrets that used to cause me nightmares. And I am gu...ilty. My hands are not clean. And yet, without any doubt I know that God doesn't even see those things when He looks at me. It breaks my heart that people I love only see my failures, flaws, brokenness. But this morning I realized two things that helped greatly...
One, Jesus never sinned or failed, never made a single mistake and thousands hated Him. Rejected Him - still do. The other, when He knew He was about to go through unbearable pain, He didn't pretend it wasn't going to be horrible and put on a strong face. He sweat blood! He was scared. He knew the end and chose obedience but He also knew it would be excruciating!
The guilt of my grieving the pain I am experiencing and am facing disappeared. I know it will be okay eventually. I've always known that. I also know no matter how deeply I regret my failures in life, I can not undo them and HE says I am free. Who am I, who are they to question that?!?
By the way... He really is a Wonderful Counselor and a good, good Father...."

Your mother and I love you very much, Dawn!  May God soften the hurt from those who would determine "you consequences."

SALVATION OCCURS WHEN WE BELIEVE THE GOSPEL

The message the Church is to carry to the entire world, is known as the Gospel (Mt. 28:19-20; Acts 1:8; etc.).  The Gospel is stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, which says:
 
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."

In this passage, we understand that Jesus died for us so that we can be forgiven of our sins.  Shortly after His Resurrection, Jesus had a conversation with two of His disciples who, because Jesus had been crucified, had begun doubting that Jesus was Israel's Messiah.  In Luke 24:25-27, we read:

"Then He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:  ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory?  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."

For the most part, the Church has made an effort to achieve its mission.  Since Christ's Ascension up into heaven (Acts 1:9), missionaries have traveled to the far corners of the globe carrying the Lord's message.  Those places where missionaries are unwelcome, still have an opportunity to hear the Gospel, as it is available through broadcasts by satellite which literally reach every nation on our planet.  Radio and television stations proclaim the Lord's message twenty-four hours a day. 

But there is a "slight problem."  Few of those broadcasts tell the whole story.  Yes, they do proclaim Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.  Yes they do proclaim the fact that God loves all of humanity.  But many, perhaps even most, fail to teach what man's response to the message should be.  Christ died for sins - that was God doing His part.  But man has a part in forgiveness.  Before you burn me at the stake for heresy, hear me out.  In Luke 24:47, Jesus told His disciples that there were two parts to salvation:  "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."  Remission is what Jesus did on the cross; repentance is our agreeing that because of our sin, we not only needed Him as our Savior, but that we should allow Him to be Lord of our lives!  The Gospel presents Jesus as both Savior and Creator (Jn. 1:1-3, Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:1-2; etc.)! 

Look at Ephesians 2:8-9:  "For by grace (we didn't earn it) are ye saved through faith (we believe in the resurrected Lord); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  not of works, lest any man should boast." 

Faith is not earning salvation; faith is accepting it as a gift!

GOD'S WORD FROM PSALM 119

October 26
GOD'S WORD FROM PSALM 119
1.      [9] Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.
2.      [11] Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee.
3.      [16] I will delight myself in Thy statutes: I will not forget Thy Word.
4.      [17] Deal bountifully with Thy servant, that I may live, and keep Thy Word.
5.      [25] My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken Thou me according to Thy Word.
6.      [28] My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen Thou me according unto Thy Word.
7.      [38] Stablish Thy Word unto Thy servant, who is devoted to Thy fear.
8.      [41] Let Thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even Thy salvation, according to Thy Word.
9.      [42] So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in Thy Word.
10.    [50] This is my comfort in my affliction: for Thy Word hath quickened me.
11.    [57] Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep Thy Words.
12.    [58] I intreated Thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to Thy Word.
13.    [65] Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O LORD, according unto Thy Word.
14.    [67] Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy Word.
15.    [74] They that fear Thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in Thy Word.
16.    [76] Let, I pray Thee, Thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Thy Word unto Thy servant.
17.    [81] My soul fainteth for Thy salvation: but I hope in Thy Word.
18.    [82] Mine eyes fail for Thy Word, saying, When wilt Thou comfort me?
19.    [89] Forever, O LORD, Thy Word is settled in heaven.
20.    [101] I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Thy Word.
21.    [103] How sweet are Thy Words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
22.    [105] Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
23.    [107] I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto Thy Word.
24.    [114] Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy Word.
25.    [116] Uphold me according unto Thy Word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
26.    [130] The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
27.    [133] Order my steps in Thy Word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
28.    [139] My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten Thy Words.
29.    [140] Thy Word is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it.
30.    [147] I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in Thy Word.
31.    [148] Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in Thy Word.
32.    [154] Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to Thy Word.
33.    [158] I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not Thy Word.
34.    [160] Thy Word is true from the beginning: and every one of Thy righteous judgments endureth forever.
35.    [161] Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of Thy Word.
36.    [162] I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil.
37.    [169] Let my cry come near before Thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to Thy Word.
38.    [170] Let my supplication come before Thee: deliver me according to Thy Word.
39.    [172] My tongue shall speak of Thy Word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.
 
Ps. 138:2 "I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth:  for
Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name."

BEING CHRISTLIKE

"After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father (Who) art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
AND FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS (sins; trespasses),
AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS (those who sin or trespass against us).
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen." 
For IF ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But IF ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(Mt. 6:9-15).

I would like to point out a few things I believe need to be noted:

  1.  God is also the Father of others; He is not just my Father.
  2.  When we pray to our Father, it is to be as a child of God.
  3.  His name is holy.  Approach Him with reverence and humility.
  4.  We are not to act like the worldly, but like our heavenly King.
  5.  Even though we work for our food, God is to be thanked because He enables us.
  6.  We are to forgive period.  It is not conditional.
  7.  Our fellowship with God depends upon our willingness to forgive others.
  8.  If we fail to forgive others, that in itself is sin!  We are out of fellowship with God.
  9.  If we want to be forgiven, then we need to forgive everyone else (Mt. 18:21-35).
10.  God will discipline us as His child (Heb. 12:5-8).
11.  He may allow Satan to buffet us evil to come if we fail to obey Him (1 Pet. 2:20).
12.  God's kingdom, His power, and His glory, are eternal.

Being like Christ is not easy!

But with the Spirit's help, it can be done (Rom. 8:1)!

WHY ALL MEN NEED TO BELIEVE IN JESUS

OF THEMSELVES, THERE ARE NO RIGHTEOUS PEOPLE!



 

Ps. 53:1-3 - "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.  Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.  God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.  Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one."

 

Rom. 3:10 - "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."

 

Rom. 10:3 - "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

SALVATION IS A GIFT, THE IMPARTING OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!

2 Cor. 5:21 - "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him."

Rom. 1:16-17 - "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."

Rom. 3:21-22 - "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference."

BOTTOM LINE:  EPHESIANS 2:8-9 

 

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast."

IF JESUS IS YOUR LORD, YOU WILL LOVE!

I do not understand how people who claim to be believers in Jesus Christ, those who know they themselves still sin, find it impossible to forgive others who are less than perfect. Jesus ONE COMMAND to His followers was to love one another - no exceptions - family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and even enemies! The Apostle Paul described what love is in his letter to the Corinthians:

"Love is patient and kind.  Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.  It does not demand its own way.  It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Cor. 13:4-7 NLT).

When our spiritual life is perfect (not happening this side of our presence with the Lord), until then, we are to love like described by Paul.  If we fail to do so, then we are sinning - period!   Forgiveness of others is a prerequisite for our daily forgiveness.   Remember, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."  Please read the entire references cited below:

Leviticus 19:18 - "...thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself...."
Matthew 5:43-44 - "Love your enemies...."
Matthew 7:12 - "...whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them
Matthew 22:37-40 - "...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself...."
Romans 13:8-10 - "...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself...." 
Galatians 5:13-14 - "...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself...."
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 - "...abound in love one toward another...."
James 2:8 - "...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself...."

They shall KNOW you are Christians by your love, one for another!

HYPOCRITES IN THE CHURCH

A PARABLE OF THE CHURCH AGE

"Another parable put He forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:  But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.  But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.  So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?  He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?  But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.  Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." (Mt. 13:24-30 KJV).

THE PARABLE EXPLAINED - KJV

"Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and His disciples came unto Him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.  He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; the enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.  As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.  The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.  Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.  Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Mt. 13:36-43 KJV).

THE PARABLE EXPLAINED - NLT

Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.”  Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed.  The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one.  The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world,  and the harvesters are the angels.  “Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world.  The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will remove from His Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.  And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! (Mt. 13:36-43 NLT).

EVEN GOD'S WRATH IS MEANT TO PRODUCE REPENTANCE

To the church in Ephesus, John wrote:  "Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first.  If you don't repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches" (Rev. 2:5 NLT).

To the church in Pergamum, John wrote:  "Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth" (Rev. 2:16 NLT).

To the church in Thyatira, John wrote:  "I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to turn away from her immorality.  "Therefore, I will throw her on a bed of suffering, and those who commit adultery with her will suffer greatly unless they repent and turn away from her evil deeds." (Rev. 2:21-22 NLT).

To the church in Sardis, John wrote:  "Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly.  Repent and turn to me again.  If you don't wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief" (Rev. 3:3 NLT).

To the church in Laodicea, John wrote:  "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten:  be zealous therefore, and repent" (Rev. 3:19 KJV).

John, writing of the lack of response to God's wrath following the sixth angel sounding his trump:  "But the people who did not die in these plagues still refused to repent of their evil deeds and turn to God.  They continued to worship demons and idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood - idols that can neither see nor hear nor walk!  And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts" (Rev. 9:20-21 NLT).

After the fourth angel poured out his bowls of wrath, John wrote:  "Everyone was burned by this blast of heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over all these plagues.  They did not repent of their sins and turn to God and give him glory" (Rev. 16:9 NLT).. 

Following that, John wrote of the response to the fifth angels bowl of wrath:  "Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness.  His subjects ground their teeth in anguish, and they cursed the God of heaven for their pains and sores.  But they did not repent of their evil deeds and turn to God." (Rev. 16:10-11 NLT).

When all is said and done,

only those who turn to Christ for the forgiveness of their sin,

will spend eternity with God!

SOME ARE WEAK, SOME ARE SICK, AND SOME ARE DEAD

When one accepts Jesus as his Lord and Savior, he is born again, becoming a child of God by the working of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 1:12; 3:3-8; 1 Jn. 3:2; etc.).  And, while he is saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus (Jn. 3:16; Acts 2:21; 16:31; Eph. 2:5, 8; etc.), he still sins (Rom. 7:15-25; 1 Jn. 1:8-9; etc.).  So God, like any good father, corrects His children out of love for him, desiring that he would live a holy life.  Here are two passages that describe the discipline of God:

"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:  And when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.  After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till He come.  Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.  But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.  For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.  For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.  For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.  But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world" (1 Cor. 11:23-32 from the KJV).

"And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as His children?  He said,

"My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when He corrects you.  For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child." As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as His own children. Whoever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?  If God doesn’t discipline you as He does all of His children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really His children at all.  Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?  For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how.  But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness.  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful!  But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way" (Heb. 12:5-11 from the NLT).

 

If you can sin and get away with it, you are not God's child!

WITH WHOM DO YOU WANT TO SPEND ETERNITY?

ENEMIES OF GOD AT CHRIST'S SECOND COMING

 

"And the beast (antichrist) was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshiped his statue.  Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the One riding the white horse.  And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies" (Rev. 19:20-21).

 

ENEMIES OF GOT AT THE END OF THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM

 

"Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him a thousand years.  When the thousand years come to an end, Satan will be let out of his prison.  He will go out to deceive the nations—called Gog and Magog—in every corner of the earth.  He will gather them together for battle—a mighty army, as numberless as sand along the seashore.  And I saw them as they went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded God’s people and the beloved city.  But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them.  Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.  And I saw a great white throne and the One sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from His presence, but they found no place to hide.  I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne.  And the books were opened, including the Book of Life.  And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.  The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds.  Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire.  This lake of fire is the second death.  And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:6-15).

 

BOTTOM LINE FOR CHRIST AND ALL WHO LOVE HIM:

BY THE MERCY AND GRACE OF GOD - WE WIN!



WITH WHOM DO YOU WANT TO SPEND ETERNITY?

ENEMIES OF GOD AT CHRIST'S SECOND COMING

 

And the beast (antichrist) was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, 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.  And the remnant were slain with the sword of Him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of His mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh" (Rev. 19:20-21).

 

ENEMIES OF GOD AT THE END OF THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM

 

"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.  And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.  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 forever and ever.  And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev. 20:6-15).

 

BOTTOM LINE FOR CHRIST AND ALL WHO LOVE HIM:

BY THE MERCY AND GRACE OF GOD - WE WIN!

 

 



HEIRS OF GOD THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST

John 1:11-13 - "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.  But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:  which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."

Romans 8:14-15 - "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

Galatians 4:4-7 - "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the Law, to redeem them that were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.  And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

Ephesians 1:3-11 - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love:  having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved.  In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself:  that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him:  in Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will."

1 John 3:1-2 - "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.  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."

OUR SOURCE OF ETERNAL LIFE WAS IN HIS BLOOD

Leviticus 17:11 - "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."

1 Corinthians 10:16 - "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?  The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?"

Ephesians 2:12-13 - "That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." 

Hebrews 9:11-14, 22 - "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;  neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:  how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?  And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."

1 Peter 1:2 - "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied."

1 Peter 1:18-21 - "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."

1 John 1:5-10 - "This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:  but if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us."

Revelation 1:5-6 - "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.  Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

THE FIRST AND SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

John 14:1-3 - "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me.  In Fy Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  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 14:25-29 - "These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.  Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you.  If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for My Father is greater than I.  And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe."

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread:  and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.  After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me.  For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till He come."

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 - "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.  For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  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."
Titus 2:11-15 - "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee."

Jesus came and died, God raised Him from the dead.

Jesus is coming again, having conquered death for us.

Do you believe this?

SOME THOUGHTS ON ADULTERY

John 8:1-11 - "Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.  And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came unto Him; and He sat down, and taught them.  And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.  Now Moses in the Law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest Thou?  This they said, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse Him.  But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He heard them not.  So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.  And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground.  And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.  When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and saw none but the woman, He said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers?  Hath no man condemned thee?  She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

Exodus 20:14 - "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

Leviticus 20:10 - "And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer AND the adulteress shall surely be put to death."

Matthew 5:28 - "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Luke 16:18 - "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery."

1.  Adultery is sin. 

2.  It takes "two to tango!" 

3.  It is not necessarily a physical act. 

4.  It is not the unpardonable sin.

JOY: JESUS - THEN OTHERS - THEN YOURSELF

Romans 12:3 (KJV) - "For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (NLT) - "If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.  If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.  Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.  Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!  Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture!  But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.  When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.  Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love."

Philippians 4:8-9 (KJV) - "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."