Author: Loring Schultz

Christian Devotional Writer
Bible Studies

“Abomination of Desolation” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13:14-23 NLT – “The day is coming when you will see – Bible Gateway

“But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.” Mark 13:14 NASB

Jesus is the middle of His Olivet Discourse (the end times) with His disciples. They had asked Him when these things would take place and what signs they should look for. Last week in our study Jesus warned them and us of upcoming persecution for those who believe in Him. This persecution will come from governing officials, zealous religious leaders (Mk13:9), and our own families (Mk.13:12). Jesus summed it up by saying, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mk.13:13 nlt)

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Jesus now begins His teaching on the tribulation period and His return at the end of the age. He starts out with this, “The day is coming when you will see the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing where he should not be.” (Reader, pay attention!) “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.” (Mk.13:14 nlt) It must first be noted that there are differences of opinion in the events of the last days and Jesus’ return. FYI, I am coming from a dispensational premillennial point of view.

Jesus refers to the abomination of desolation (sacrilegious object of desecration in the NLT) as a coming day in the future. Among the Jews, abomination was used to depict idolatry or sacrilege. Jesus was speaking of a future act profaning the Temple. This will occur during the tribulation period. The prophet Daniel wrote about this as the angel explained Daniel’s vision to him, “The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him.” (Dan.9:27 nlt) This is a reference to the antichrist setting an image of himself to be worshiped in the Temple during the tribulation. Which, if we understand this correctly, means the Jewish Temple will be rebuilt. Something we should be looking to.  

There is an event in Jewish history that foreshadows Jesus’ teaching here on the ‘abomination of desolation’ which the disciples would have been aware of. The king of Syria, Antiochus Epiphanes, invaded Jerusalem in 168 B.C. and built an altar to Zeus, a pagan god, on the Temple’s altar and sacrificed a pig on it. Surely an abomination. Another abomination of desolation will occur in the end times.

Jesus goes on to say, “(Reader, pay attention!) Then those in Judea must flee to the hills” (Mk.13:14 nlt) There will be those who will come to know the Lord during the tribulation period. These are believers who are to be prepared to when they see these things and flee to safety. This will happen at the midway point of the tribulation as prophesied by Daniel.

The urgency of the matter is stressed by Jesus. “A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. And pray that your flight will not be in winter.” (Mk.13:15-18 nlt) There is no time to retrieve clothing or pack a tote bag. The example of pregnant women and nursing mothers refer to the difficult circumstances one will be under trying to escape. If occurring in winter during the heavy rains, it would be impossible to cross the streams due to the rising waters.

This is indeed the great tribulation. Jesus declares there will be greater anguish in this time that any other time in world history and will never be again. Unless that time is shorten, Jesus says no one will survive. “ But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days.” (Mk.13:20 nlt) His chosen ones, the elect, those who are saved during the tribulation. Warning is given to beware of false messiahs rising up to deceive those fleeing to refuge. “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.” (Mk.13:22 nlt) They are warned of the danger of these false messiahs and prophets. A warning for Christians today. There are plenty of false prophets in the world. False teachers flood the airwaves, social media, and churches. Witchcraft, tarot card reading, and fortune telling are prevalent today. All, believe it or not, capable of ‘performing signs and wonders’ as Jesus said to deceive us. This, of course, is from the evil one and his demons. That is why Christians are to stay far from them.

Jesus finishes His warnings with a final thrust, “Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!” (Mk.13:23 nlt) As we have been learning Jesus’ warning signs of the coming days of tribulation, it is a time no one would want to go through. Christians today will not go through the tribulation as the Lord will return for His church before then. But will you be one caught up on that day or be left behind? You can make sure today by accepting Christ as your savior. We don’t know when that day will come. With that said…..

As we continue next week, Jesus continues His teaching with the closing days of the tribulation and says this, “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.” (Mk.13:32 nlt) Until next week…….

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A Christian Perspective

Back to Church Sunday

Loring Schultz

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

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Tomorrow Sunday September 21st is ‘National Back to Church Sunday.’ Recognized on the third Sunday in September, it is a drive to invite people back to church, and if one has never attended church, now is a good time. It is community, and where you will find peace, but it is so much more than that. A Bible believing, preaching church will introduce you to Jesus Christ, God the Son. He is where true peace comes from. Peace in this world and assurance of life eternal. There is the ultimate community with brothers and sisters in Christ which the world cannot match. No matter where you reside in this world, find a Bible believing church in your area and attend this Sunday. See you there!

Devotionals

Meaningless Discussions: The Result of False Teaching  

Loring Schultz

Read: 1 Timothy 1:3-7 NLT – Warnings against False Teachings – When – Bible Gateway

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Can you count how many meaningless discussions you have had in your lifetime? I’m not sure I can because there have been many. All meaningless discussions have one thing in common; they lead to nowhere. Another factor is one or both parties do not know what they are talking about, but they pursue in making the point that they do. This may seem like a little deal in most trivial discussions, but when it comes to the Word of God and the teachings of the church, it’s a big deal.

Paul, the apostle, needed to move on from the church in Ephesus he founded years before. While visiting Timothy, his child in the faith, Paul noticed the decline of sound doctrine in the church. False teaching had crept in and mostly by those who were elders in the church. This needed to stop. Paul instructed Timothy to stay behind in Ephesus to teach sound doctrine and prevent the spread of any more false teaching. Paul writes, “The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” (1Tim.1:5 nlt) This would not be possible if the congregation was in confusion by teaching that focused on speculation and allegorical or fictious interpretations of the Word of God. They would be in meaningless discussions among themselves and with the so-called teachers of the word. Paul goes on to say these false teachers have missed the whole point by turning away from the Word.

Those of us sitting in the pews of our churches today need to have our ears perk up and our eyes kept on Scripture to see if these things are so. If we find ourselves having meaningless discussions and are confused, something is wrong. May we follow Paul’s instructions to Timothy and if need be, stop the false teaching.

A Christian Perspective

A City on a Hill

Loring Schultz

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14 ESV

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John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, coined the phrase ‘A City on a Hill’ while aboard the flagship Arabella upon arriving on the shores of present-day New England. An English Puritan lawyer, Winthrop was in pursuit of religious freedom along with many others in early 17th century England. His encouraging words to his shipmates set the tone for the work ahead of them lasting for centuries to come, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” His sentiments have been repeated countless times throughout the years in the United States of America as a mode of encouragement most famously used by both President John F. Kennedy and President Ronald Reagan.

Jesus told His disciples they were the light of the world and a city on a hill. The landscape of America includes several cities that are elevated on mountainous terrain visible for all to see. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither can anyone who has accepted Christ as Savior be hidden from the world. Jesus’s words to His disciples apply to every Christian today. Christians are the light of the world and cities on a hill that can be seen by all. With such great amount of exposure, are we taking advantage of our opportunity to represent Christ, or are we allowing the clouds and fog of indifference to settle in?

People today are looking for light in a dark world. Christians possess the light of Christ and are placed on a hill of God’s choosing to bring the light of the gospel to others and to bring glory to God. Jesus said, “…..let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16b esv)

The Puritan settlers knew that future generations would look to them as a city on a hill. Christians today need to follow their example and live up to John Winthrop’s words, “We must always consider that we shall be as a ‘city upon a hill’—the eyes of all people are upon us.” For all eyes are upon us, the city on a hill.

Devotionals

A Shaken Reed

Loring Schultz

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” Luke 7:24b ESV

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Have you ever noticed a reed, a tall slender blade of grass, blowing in the wind? It blows whichever way the wind is blowing. It is weak in that it is easily swayed.

Jesus asks those in the crowd, who have been following Him, and who apparently had followed John the Baptist, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?” John the Baptist, obviously wasn’t a man easily swayed by public opinion. He didn’t sugar coat his message to the people. He was a true prophet of God. (Luke 7:26-28)

Are you a reed shaken by the wind? I need to ask myself the same question, am I a reed shaken by the wind of this world that prevents me from speaking the truth? The truth about the sinful condition of mankind, the wrath of God, and the judgment to come. One cannot read through the entire Holy Scriptures, The Bible, and not see it. The truth is those without Christ will die in their sins into eternal damnation. But, the truth is also that Jesus came to pay the penalty for sin and those who put their faith and trust in Him will escape the eternal punishment and received eternal life in Heaven with Him.

Are you proclaiming the whole truth of God’s Word, the Bible, or is your reed (your message) being shaken by the wind?

Devotionals

What has the Lord done for you?

Loring Schultz

“Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” Psalm 105:1 NLT

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“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15 NLT

Role models have paved the way for successful people to reach their goals in life. Mentors are involved in a more personal and deeper approach in influencing an individual to success. Both deserve recognition for what they have done and be able to help others the same way if their efforts were well known. The same is true for Christian role models and mentors. Those who benefit from them should spread the word of their influence enabling them to help others.

Not many of us share the same role models or mentors, but every Christian has the same role model to learn from, Jesus Christ. In fact, every person living today can learn from this role model and be influenced by His mentoring if they only knew of Him.  For others to know Him, Christians need to be vocal first in telling what He has done for them personally leaving nothing out. Second, living the life that supports what was said to be true, and third mentoring them for them to mentor others.

Now to get personal. Think through very thoroughly all the Lord has done for you. It probably won’t be a bad idea if you compile a list, but make sure you have enough paper or space on your hard drive. It may surprise you and be an eye-opening experience all the Lord has done for you. Then let us as the psalmist says, “Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.” (Ps.105:1 nlt) Jesus calls us the light of the world. We can’t help but shine naturally so may we add words to why we shine by telling everyone what the Lord has done for us.

Devotionals

Leaving Them All Behind

Loring Schultz

Read: Ruth 1:1-18 NLT – Elimelech Moves His Family to Moab – In – Bible Gateway

“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.’” Ruth 1:16 NLT

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‘“Yes,’ Jesus replied, ‘and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.’” Luke 18:29-30 NLT

Our current society has helped drive families apart with a selfish attitude towards others, it’s a ‘me first’ society. Over time some families are restored but there needs to be forgiveness and a complete ‘same mind’ agreement for reconciliation. Many families struggle with problems in the home, forcing some to abandon their family, leaving them all behind. Societal ills make up most family break-ups today, but believe it or not, a deep faith in God and trusting in His Son Jesus for salvation made up the rest.

The book of Ruth gives us one of the earliest pictures of someone leaving their family to serve the Lord God of heaven. Ruth, a Moabite woman, became a widow at a young age. Her mother-in-law, Naomi, was returning to her homeland in Judah from where she, her husband and their two sons left due to a severe famine. Ruth wanted to return with Naomi back to Israel. She had a great love for her mother-in-law, but also a great love for God. Perhaps Ruth saw something in Naomi even through the bitterness of her sorrow of losing her husband and two sons that caused Ruth to say, “Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” (Ruth1:16b nlt) Ruth left her family behind to serve and worship God.

Jesus confirms there is a cost in following Him. In speaking to His disciples Jesus acknowledged there will be those who leave their families for the sake of the gospel, but they will be richly rewarded. Some will leave in pursuit of ministry work for Christ, but some others will be forced to leave their families who have rejected them for following Christ. If you are in this latter group know that Jesus understands, for He was also rejected by His family. Continue to follow Jesus, pray for your family, and don’t look back.

Bible Studies

“Hated in the Last Days” The Gospel of Jesus Christ: the book of Mark        

Loring Schultz

Read: Mark 13:9-13 NLT – “When these things begin to happen, – Bible Gateway

“And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” Mark 13:13 NLT

Photo by Jose P. Ortiz on Unsplash
 

Last week we started to look at the ‘Olivet Discourse’, Jesus’ teaching on the end times.  Jesus predicted the destruction of the Temple that occurred in A.D.70. Peter, James, John, and Andrew came to Jesus asking Him when that would happen thinking that represented the end times, but it did not. Jesus then preceded to explain to them the signs to watch for when these things will take place. Being two thousand years from when Jesus first gave these signs to His disciples, the signs are now for us in this present generation. Should the Lord tarry His return, these signs will be for the next generation and each one after that until He returns. But be sure, Jesus will return and these signs will continue to increase right up until that time.

Jesus warned them to watch for false prophets and those claiming to be the Christ. We have seen our share of them over the years. Jesus said there will be wars and rumors of wars between the nations, and there are an increasing number of wars in our current day. Jesus then told them to watch for earthquakes and famines across the world. Again, these have been increasing in number and severity over the years. Jesus described these as birth pains, the closer and more severe the pains, the closer the end of the pregnancy. The closer and more severe these signs are, the closer we are to the return of Christ.

Jesus tells us when we see these things happening, “…..watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.” (Mk.13:9 nlt) Persecution of Christians is rising steadily. “A new report by Open Doors International said that more than 380 million Christians faced persecution and discrimination in 2024, an increase of 15 million from the year before.” (1) State governments across the world will up their persecution of Christians as the days get closer. Jesus explains to us this we be our opportunity to tell the gospel truth about Jesus. “For the Good News must first be preached to all nations.” (Mk.13:10 nlt)

Believers are not to worry about how they will respond in that day. We will be given the words to speak through the Holy Spirit. Jesus says it will not be us speaking, but the Holy Spirit speaking through us. Jesus will not abandon us during those days. “….for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb.13:5 esv) This is the age of grace, the time between Jesus’ resurrection and His second coming. It is an evangelistic period to preach the gospel even under severe persecution. There will be a day when we will preach no more, and until that day we to be aware of the persecution that may come to us but continue to preach just the same.

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Jesus warns us of the painful effects of rejection by our families. Much of that occurs today as people accept Jesus as savior and are then disowned by their families. Some individuals even seek to kill family members who have turned away from their religion and turned to Christ. Persecution is here now, and as birth pains increase, so will the persecution of Christians.

All Christians will be hated in those days because they believe in Jesus and follow Him. The world is rapidly accelerating to that point with the amount of Christian hate against those who live for God and follow His Word. Jesus reminds us in the gospel of John, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (Jn.15:18-19 nlt) So, we need to be aware of upcoming hate and persecution even from those we love.

The Lord gives us a word of encouragement, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mk.13:13 nlt) Perseverance in the midst of persecution is a sign of loyal service to Christ and more importantly an example of one who is totally trusting Jesus Christ for salvation. We will be saved in the end. The time of Jesus’ return and the end days are not known to us, but we have plenty of signs that it could happen at any moment. May we be ready and busy in service for Him while waiting.

Next week we examine the tribulation period as Jesus unfolds it for us………

(1) Christian persecution on the rise worldwide, new report says – OSV News

A Christian Perspective

The Truth Hurts    

Loring Schultz

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.” 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT

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Why are there so many people who hate the truth? It’s very simple; the truth hurts. Being confronted with the truth upsets the apple cart in life. The lifestyle, ideology, religion nuances, intolerance, and overall hatred for the truth of the Bible reveals one’s true feelings towards those who hold to Biblical truths. This is nothing new. Hatred for the truth of the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ has been active for centuries. It has been growing over the last century particularly in third world countries and in Europe, and most recently here in the United States over the last several decades.

This past Wednesday, the day before the anniversary of ‘911’ in the United States, another tragedy unfolded in the assassination of conservative civil rights activist, author, and private citizen Charlie Kirk. He was gunned down during an event at an American university speaking the truth as he has been doing for over a decade. Only 31 years old, he leaves behind a wife and two young children. Kirk had been very influential in changing the culture among young people especially on college campuses. He spoke the truth plainly and with common sense which could not be denied, but often it was perceived as hate speech and divisive. The truth is only divisive when not recognized and accepted as truth. It’s only divisive because the truth hurts.

Charlie Kirk was also a devout Christian who spoke boldly and was unashamed of his salvation in Jesus Christ. He often engaged with those who question him sincerely about his faith and also with those who rigorously opposed him. He was a friend to all and would speak and listen to anyone who wanted to dialogue with him.

The assassin wanted to silence the truth, because the truth hurts. The problem for the assassin and others who want to silence the truth is truth cannot be silence. Kirk’s voice may have been silenced but there are millions of other voices who will continue speaking boldly the truth about civil rights, liberty, and the gospel, some for the first time. The United States has reached a ‘turning point’ referring to Kirk’s organization and ministry. This tragedy has awakened many of us not to sit on our hands anymore. We have work to do. Satan and his minions will continue their attempts to silence the truth with vengeance. Sadly, this is not only an American problem but one that is raging in every country around the world.

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Hatred for the truth will continue until Jesus Christ returns. Speaking the truth in love, boldly and unashamed as Jesus did, with those who disagree with us is our calling to this generation. Yes, they may hate us, but they hate the truth more, because the truth hurts.

Devotionals

The Basis for Christian Hope             

Loring Schultz

“This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1 NLT

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Christian hope is guaranteed. A Christian can count on it. It is sure because the basis for Chrisian hope is Jesus Christ. What is this Christian hope? It is the assurance of salvation guaranteeing forgiveness of sin and the assurance of eternal life in heaven with Christ for all who accept Him as Lord and savior. Yes, it’s that simple, and it is hope we can count on.  

The various definitions of ‘hope’ in most dictionaries are found in Jesus.

Hope – 1. A feeling that what is wanted will happen. The desire to be assured of heaven is something all people want if they admit it or not. Jesus provides that feeling of assurance. 2. The object of this. Obviously the object of this hope is Jesus who makes it possible. 3. A person or thing on which one may base some hope. Again, this is Jesus. He is the basis for this hope.

Paul gives us verses he pointed out to Timothy in his letters of instruction and encouragement to him. I Timothy 2:5 reads, “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” (nlt) In chapter 4 Paul writes, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” 1 Tim.4:10 nlt)

Christians have a hope that is not wishful thinking but guaranteed by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The apostle Paul begins his first letter to young Timothy by stating he was appointed by the command of God and Jesus who gives us all hope. Paul wanted to ensure Timothy that all our hope in this world and assurance of eternity in heaven is found in Jesus Christ, the basis for our hope. Do you have the assurance of this Christian hope or is it still wishful thinking?